Sam M. Wright, Jr., 79, of Kennard, died Aug. 2, 2005, at Crowell Memorial Home in Blair. His body was cremated. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Sam M. Wright Jr. was born Dec. 24, 1925, in Kennard to Samuel and Hazel Wright. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1943 to 1945 in the South Pacific.

He married Lleanna K. Matzen on Feb. 2, 1947, in Blair.

He was employed by the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad and the Kennard Oil Co. He owned Wright Trenching Co. and was co-owner of the Dew Drop Inn in Kennard from 1981 to 1987. He was a member of the Kennard Fire and Rescue Department for more than 50 years, and was active in many village positions in Kennard.

He is survived by his wife, Lleanna, and daughter Sherry Anderson of Kennard; sons and daughters-in-law, Sam and Pat of rural Blair, Mauri and Sherry of Fremont, and Monte and Mary of Kennard; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter; sister, Virginia Wilkins of Kennard; nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Faye Sorensen, and an infant sister, Ruth Ann.

Memorials are suggested to the donor's choice.

Campbell-Aman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Note: Buried in Blk 7 Lt 37 Sp 6