Thomas Lee Wright, 86, of Laramie, passed away on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at Hospice of Laramie. He was born on August 18, 1932 near Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Sidney J. and Ellen R. (Olsen) Wright.

After graduating high school in Menasha, Tom embarked on his post-secondary education, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology.

He married Shirley Mae Flynn on December 26, 1954 and the couple lived in New York and Illinois as Tom pursued his graduate studies, culminating in a master’s degree in Geology from Lawrence University.  After professional accreditation and becoming a member of the United States Geological Survey, he worked in exploration (bauxite, copper, petroleum). Due to the nature of his work, the young family traveled extensively through Central and South America, residing in Surinam, Panama, and Costa Rica before returning to the United States.  They lived in Michigan, New York, Colorado before settling in Douglas, Wyoming, where they owned and operated the Coast to Coast Hardware Store for many years before retiring.

Tom and Shirley enjoyed traveling to many of the national parks. An extensive reader, Tom loved books and continued his life-long love of learning by taking courses in many subjects.  He enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping, hiking, and fishing.  He also had an amateur interest in flying small aircraft, becoming a licensed pilot. He has lived in Laramie, WY for the past 15 years.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan Lujan and her husband, Tino of San Bernardino, CA; his grandchildren, Ramsey Lujan of Chicago, IL, Brianna Lujan, Meredith Lujan, and a great-granddaughter, Versaila Urcino all of San Bernardino, CA and two nephews, John and Jay Wright of Boston, MA.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Shirley; his son, Stephen Wright, and his brother, Robert Wright.

Per Tom’s request, there will be no services scheduled, cremation has taken place.