MICHAEL WRIGHT Obituary (1969 - 2026)

Michael Dewayne Wright was born on August 8, 1969, in Kansas City, Kansas to James and Garnetta Wright. He was blessed to enter this world as a twin alongside his beloved sister, Michelle Lee. On September 2, 2026, Michael departed this earthly life, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, family, creativity, and service to others. Michael grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, where he attended Quindaro Elementary School, Eisenhower Junior High School, and F.L. Schlagle High School, graduating with the Class of 1987. Growing up, Michael was curious, loving, and caring, especially toward his family. He was the kind of person who noticed and cared about the little things-the things others might easily overlook. Even at a young age, Michael possessed a thoughtfulness and genuine concern for the people around him that would remain a part of who he was throughout his life. Education was always important to Michael. After high school, he continued his education at Emporia State University, where he earned his degree in Biology and became a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. His commitment to learning did not stop there. Michael later followed his calling to care for others by attending nursing school at Kansas City Kansas Community College earning an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing. Faith and church were also an important part of Michael’s life from an early age. He grew up at Faith Mission Outreach and later joined Word City. It was through the church that his faith was nurtured and many of his musical and creative gifts were discovered and developed. Michael was a talented musician who could play several instruments, and throughout his life, he freely shared those gifts with others. But Michael’s creativity extended far beyond music. He was also a gifted playwright with a wonderful ability to bring stories and ideas to life. He wrote music and created plays for the church and community, and while attending Emporia State University, he continued using his imagination and talents to bring people together. Michael’s faith and his gifts were woven together throughout his life. Whether through music, writing, nursing, or simply bringing family and community together, Michael found meaningful ways to share the many talents God gave him. Michael found his “good thing” when God brought Latoria into his life. Michael and Latoria were united in marriage December 16, 1999, beginning a journey that would span almost 27 years. Together, they built a life centered on love, faith, family, friendship, and commitment. When Michael married Latoria, he did not simply gain a wife-he gained another family-the Pointers who welcomed him and loved him as their own. He was blessed with another mother in Mom Pointer, along with a host of brothers and sisters who embraced and loved him dearly. God continued to bless Michael and Latoria’s union with two beautiful children. First came their daughter, Toriana, affectionately known to her daddy as his “Pumpkin,” followed by their son, Kenton Michael. Michael’s heart and home grew even larger when he gained another son in his nephew, Christopher and father- in-love to Jose. Michael loved being a husband and a father, and his family was truly his heart. The love he had for Latoria, Toriana, Kenton, Christopher and Jose was evident not simply in the words he spoke, but in the life they shared together. Michael loved his wife and children as God instructed him to—with devotion, commitment, and a desire to provide for, protect, encourage, and care for the family God entrusted to him. Through the years, they shared life’s joys and challenges, celebrations and ordinary days, laughter and tears, creating memories that will forever be a part of Michael’s legacy. Michael worked at various area hospitals but ended at Advent health, where he continued his life of service and caring for others. Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Garnetta Wright, and his beloved family members DeShuntie and Steve. Michael leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Latoria Wright of Overland Park, Kansas; his beloved “Pumpkin,” Toriana Reyes-Garcia (Jose); his son, Kenton Wright; his son Christopher Pointer; and the precious granddaughter he was awaiting with love. He also leaves his father, James Wright; his mother-in-love, Barbara “Mom” Pointer; his sisters, Evelyn Wright, Carolyn Thomas (Elmer), his twin Michelle Horton (Marty), Patricia Calhoun (Eric), Ira Wright, and Laronda Leveringston; his brothers, PatrickWright; along with a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, extended family members, fraternity brothers, friends, coworkers, church, and countless others whose lives were touched by his love, gifts, humor, and caring spirit.Michael lived a life filled with many roles—son, twin, brother, husband, father, uncle, nephew, grandfather-to-be, nurse, musician, playwright, fraternity brother, friend, Chiefs fan and man of faith. Yet, through every role, one thing remained constant: Michael cared about people. He noticed the little things. He loved his family deeply. He used his gifts freely. And he left pieces of himself in the hearts of everyone blessed to know him. Although our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the 57 years God allowed Michael to walk among us. His music may grow quiet, and the final scene of his earthly story has been written, but the love, laughter, lessons, creativity, and memories he gave us will continue to live on. Mike, you were deeply loved, and you will be deeply missed. Your story does not end here—it continues in every life you touched and every heart that carries your memory.