Roy Harold "Dusty" Wright, 90, a recent Gardnerville resident, died June 24, 2002, at Carson Valley Residential Center. He was born March 11, 1912, in Dodge City, Kan., to Aaron and Mary Knoefler Wright.
He graduated from high school in Dodge City, Kan.
Before moving to Gardnerville, he lived in Portola, Calif., for 63 years.
He worked on the family farm in Kansas. He was a professional boxer in the 1930s and ranked seventh in the world as a featherweight and was Kansas State Champ (featherweight) in 1937.
He moved to California in the late 1930s.
Mr. Wright was a career welder/mechanic and owner/operator of Dusty's Garage. He retired as a welder/mechanic from Western Pacific Railroad. He was a member of the National Rifle Association, the Pheasant Club, the Square Dancing Association and the Mechanic's Union. He was also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He worked as a welder during World War II at the shipyards in Vallejo, Calif. and received a Medal of Service from the U.S. Navy.
He was preceded in death by son Larry Charles Sr. in October 1987.
Among his survivors are his wife of 67 years Ethel Ernestine of Gardnerville; son Douglas Aaron of Reno; daughter Sharline Helena Doerr of Clearfield, Utah; sisters Mildred Gaudes of Waterford, Wis. and Vera Demorit of Dodge City; daughters-in-law Roberta Jepsen of Gardnerville and Sharon McGarr; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren living in California, Nevada, Utah and Texas and nieces and nephews.
Cremation will be at FitzHenry's Crematory.
Memorial contributions may be made to Manni Funeral Home in Portola.
FitzHenry's Carson Valley Funeral Home, Gardnerville, is in charge of arrangements.
