Funeral Services for Buddy Irvin Wright, Age 85 of Alton, Missouri will be held on Saturday, September 12th, 2026 at The Carter Funeral Home Chapel, Thayer, Missouri, beginning at 11:00 AM. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial with full military honors will take place in The Thayer Cemetery, Thayer, Missouri.
Memorial donations can be sent to:
Children’s Home Inc.
5515 Walcott Road
Paragould, AR 72450
Or to
CCL Cancer Society
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Resources | American Cancer Society
Or they can be left with the Funeral Home.
Buddy Irvin Wright was born August 19, 1941, in Alton, Missouri, to Clifton and Bertha Wright and peacefully departed this life on September 3, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family at the age of 85.
He graduated from Alton High School in 1959, where he was a proud Alton Comet. He loved playing sports and especially excelled and enjoyed making memories playing basketball.
Following high school, Buddy proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served in the United States Naval Construction Battalions, better known as the Navy Seabees.
On December 26, 1964, he married the love of his life, Alice Lou Cantrell in Alton, Missouri. They spent 61 years together as husband and wife before Alice’s passing in January. Together, they raised four children, teaching them the importance of God, faith, and family.
Buddy was a very talented custom cabinet maker. He was a perfectionist when it came to his woodworking and created many beautiful kitchen cabinets and furniture for people over the years.
Buddy also proudly served the citizens of Oregon County as Second District County Commissioner for 18 years. After retiring, Buddy enjoyed his Fox Trotter horses, spending time outdoors and “piddling’” with old tractors, lawnmowers, and whatever project happened to catch his attention. He especially loved family get-togethers where he enjoyed playing competitive games and spending time with his family.
Buddy was a Christian and a member of the church of Christ, where he faithfully taught Bible class for many years. He was a man of deep faith who loved to read and study God’s Word. His faith was an important part of his life and the legacy he leaves to his family.
He is survived by three children: Donna Louise Henry and husband Joe of Thayer, Missouri, Tammy Lou Hufstedler and husband Derek of Thayer, Missouri, John David Wright and wife Jackie of West Plains, Missouri; seven grandchildren: Aaron Henry, Austin Henry and wife Tessa, Ayden Henry and wife Kendra, Ashlyn Lou Powell and husband Collin, Braden Hufstedler and wife Maddy, Jaycelyn Wright, and Zaiden Wright; three great-grandchildren: Alayah Powell, Adlee Powell, and Torin Henry; his sister, Carol Pulley of Lebanon, Tennessee, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Alice Lou Wright; his parents, Clifton and Bertha Wright; his mother and father-in-law, Ben and Lola Cantrell; his beloved son, Douglas Irvin Wright; his brother, Dale Wright; his infant great-grandson, Bridger Powell; and several other family members and loved ones.
Though he will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught, the things he built, and the memories he made will continue to live on through the generations who loved him.
