Thomas Wright

Thomas (Tom) J. Wright, 78, of Danville, KY, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, surrounded by love. 

Born October 29, 1947, to the late Wilbur and Regina Wright, Tom graduated from Owensboro Catholic High School in 1965 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army from 1967 – 1969. During his military service, he became a Sergeant E-5, Company Clerk, and spent time at Ayers Kaserne at Kirch-Göns, Germany Army Base. Following his time in the military, Tom attended Brescia University in Owensboro, serving on the university’s board of directors before graduating with degrees in Political Science and English. 

Believing that work is worth doing only if done right, he devoted decades to environmental, health, and safety, including 31 years at Philips Lighting where he held roles ranging from material service operator to production supervisor and finally environmental health and safety manager. During his tenure with Philips, he conducted many environmental audits and training programs at operation facilities in the U.S, Puerto Rico, and the Netherlands. Also, Tom served on the Danville Planning and Zoning Committee for 10 years. Following his time at Philips, Tom worked for the University of Kentucky University of Louisville, then dedicated 10 years to Fort Knox as a contractor in environmental management systems and regulatory management before retiring in 2018.

Tom is survived by his spouse of 46 years, Karen H. Wright. He was a loving, supportive father to all of his children, John (Melissa), Jeremy (Janetta), Eric Smithhart (Jamie), Mason (Sara), and Je-Nae (Nate), as well as Steven Lechert, who he considered a son. He was the best Papa T to John Ryan, Nathan, Jamison, Maxson, and Lilly, and to his great-grandson, John Spencer. The second born to a family of fifteen, he is survived by his siblings Mike (Maria), Wilbur Junior (Mary), Ray, Margaret (Jimmy), Kay, Faye, Carl (Ann), Joe, Kathy, Joanna (Scott), Joyce (Parker), Becky (Andy). He was preceded in death by his siblings Pete and Teresa, and his close friends, Jim Carr and Joe Yates. 

Tom enjoyed bass fishing, quail hunting, and sharing an afternoon oatmeal cookie with his pups, Bear and Beau. As per his wishes, no funeral services will be held. A celebration of life with military honors will be at 2:30 PM on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville, KY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Ronald McDonald House in Lexington, KY. 

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