CLINTON - Leland Dean Wright, 90, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Mt. Pulaski, IL. Born on December 2, 1935, in a farmhouse outside Lovington, Illinois, the son of Otto and Olive Bea (Day) Wright.
Leland married his beloved wife, Patsy (neè, Thomas) Wright on March 28, 1955, in Springfield, IL. He earned his B.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1961, later earning his master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of New Mexico in 1963, and his PhD in electrical engineering from Purdue University in 1973.
He worked on the control systems of the SuperSonic Tranport at Boeing aircraft and at Sandia National Labs in Albuquerque, then spent several years as the laboratory manager at General Electric in Bloomington. After a career in engineering research and development, he finally lived his lifelong dream of becoming a farmer and rancher.
He was an animal lover who cared for both his livestock and his cats and dogs, affectionately treating them all to “cookie time” where he shared treats with his furry friends. Leland served proudly in the United States Army during the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion Post #1133 in Kenney. He also was a volunteer for the American Red Cross. Leland was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church and an active member of Clinton Presbyterian Church for over 30 years, serving as a Deacon and representing the Committee On Ministry. He also enjoyed his sailboat on Clinton Lake, camping, painting, reading, fixing stuff, building stuff, and spending time with his family. He was an intellect and always curious.
Leland is survived by his wife of 71 years — Patsy Wright; children — Keith (Kathleen) Wright, Brian (Cynthia) Wright, and Pamela Wright; grandchildren — Louis Gill, Tallulah Gill, Holden Gill, Matt (Ande) Hilligoss, Elliot Wright, Monica Wright, Lillian Wright Bergschneider; and great granddaughter — Savannah Hilligoss; and son-in-law — David Gill, MD.
Leland was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Polly Gill; brother, Delbert Wright; sister-in-law, Betty Wright; sister-in-law, Shirley Bower; and grandson, John Paul Hilligoss.
Memories and condolences may be shared online at https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to Clinton Presbyterian Church.
Memorial service will be held at 3:00pm on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Clinton Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be held one-hour prior to the service.
Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
