Earle Coulsen Wright, 92 of Saint Anthony Idaho, formerly of Hamilton Montana died December 7, 2017.

Earle was born November 15, 1925 in Yakima Washington to Charles Coulsen Rich Wright and Geneva Ensign Wright where his father was employed at the Government Agricultural Experiment Station in Prosser.
The family moved to Sacatone Arizona when Earle was 5 to the Pima Indian Reservation where his father was employed. Earle spoke of the many adventures this living arrangement brought as a young boy. His family moved to the Uintah Basin reservation headquarters at Fort Duchesne, Utah where he finished 8th grade and went on to graduate high school from Logan Utah.

Musically inclined, Earle supported himself in high school and college by playing in dance bands. He played the trombone, banjo and ukulele, and loved Dixie Land Jazz music.

He had the opportunity near the end of World War II to serve in the US Army Air Corp. and the US Navy and was honorably discharged in 1946.

While attending Montana State College in Bozeman, he was engaged to Marjorie Kasky. The marriage was postponed as he was called to serve a two-year mission in the East Central States Mission, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Earle and Marjorie were married December 26, 1950, one week after his return. He graduated in Business from Brigham Young University in Provo Utah and ultimately went into Banking. In 1960, Earle and Marjorie moved to Hamilton Montana. Together they had 4 children and enjoyed the beautiful Bitterroot Valley for more than 50 years. Earle served in the Citizens State Bank in Hamilton as loan officer, cashier, and as a member of the Board of Directors for more than 30 years.

Earle had a wonderful sense of humor. He was a tremendous teacher and leader in his church and community. He enjoyed camping and hunting and was involved many years in the Boy Scouts of America program. He was an ordained Patriarch for the Stevensville, Montana Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and pronounced hundreds of blessings.

He is survived by his brother Amos Wright (Gloria) of Provo Utah, children; Douglas Wright (Mary Ziomek) of Rockville Maryland, Elizabeth Wright of Ashton, Idaho, Lori Wright Mackert (Kirk Mackert) of Saint Anthony, Idaho, and daughter-in-law; Dianna Wright Cheney of St. George,Utah. He leaves a posterity of 17 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Thomas Wright, wife Marjorie Wright, and son Jonathan Wright.

Funeral services will be Thursday, December 14, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Wilford LDS Chapel, 215 North 2400 East, St. Anthony, Idaho. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the Church. Burial will be in Hamilton, MT. Local arrangements are under the direction of Bert Flamm Mortuary. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Wounded Warriors.