Joe H. Wright, 65, of Columbus

Joe H. Wright, 65, of Columbus, passed away at his home Nov. 28, 2018 surrounded by his family.

Joe worked in the Columbus Parks and Recreation for 31 years, from June 1981 to April 2012.

He was a United States Air Force Veteran. He served six years during the Vietnam War and retired as a sergeant.

Joe was the founder of Columbus Bluegrass Jamboree, with the first concert being on Father’s Day in 2002. He earned a Proclamation from the City of Columbus. It proclaimed that March 19, 2016 was Joe Wright Day.

Joe loved God and was a member of Revival Full Gospel Tabernacle in Clifford. He loved his family, camping, boating, and music. He enjoyed playing all stringed instruments and singing. Joe loved spending time with his 16 grandkids.

Born on Dec. 4, 1952, Joe was the son of James E. Wright and Mary Ruble Underhill. He married Linda K. Wright in May 2002, and she survives.

Other survivors include his children, Joe (Jen) Wright of Seymour, Brandon (Kristy) Wright of Columbus, Alisha Wright of Columbus, Don (Tammy) Ames of Seymour, Chris (Jessica) Ames of Columbus, Mike Ames of Columbus, Helen “Michelle” (Brian) Foster of Hope, Brooklyn Ames of Columbus, and Shandala Ames of Columbus; 16 grandchildren; brothers, Jeff (Janet) Wright of Clifford, and James “Allen” (Sheila) Wright of Greensburg; step-siblings, Roger (Sandy) Creamer, Kenny (Linda) Creamer, Jim (Barb) Creamer, all of Alert, and Connie Wright of Letts; and many nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Joe.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents; and step-parents, Betty Wright and Chet Underhill.

A funeral service will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at Norman Funeral Home with Rev. Eli Johnson officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mt. Aerie Cemetery in Letts.

Memorial contributions may be given to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.

Online condolences may be sent to the Wright Family at www.normanfuneralhome.net.