Obituary for Bud Wright of Heavener

Edward Cleveland Wright, lovingly known as Bud to his family and friends, was born in a house in Heavener Aug. 31, 1950. He went to be with his savior in Heaven in his home in Heavener on Aug. 14, 2025, peacefully surrounded by his family singing. Bud left us at the young age of 74 years, 11 months, and 14 days old.

A memorial service to celebrate Bud’s life is 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Heavener with Pastor Brock Hardin and Bud’s son-in-law, Jonathon Sutmiller officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home in Heavener.

Bud was born to and raised by his sweet mom, Edith, alongside his brother Jim. Edith worked hard to ensure her boys were taken care of and had all they needed. As a single mother, she would take on multiple jobs to provide football jackets, class rings, or any other special needs. This made a lasting impact on Bud and inspired his love and care for others.

Bud was a proud 1968 graduate of Heavener High School, where he played both sides of the football field and earned the nickname “mama.” Bud was a junior and senior class officer. He made countless lifelong friendships and was loved and respected by his classmates until the very end.

Bud was always the hardest worker in every room he entered. In 1973, he went to support a friend who was signing up to work on the railroad. That day, Bud realized that Poteau Community College was not the right path for him, so he decided to sign up as a track laborer with the Maintenance of Way. Bud’s larger-than-life stature and personality earned him the nickname “Bull of the Woods” by his coworkers. For the next 23 years, Bud gave his all at KCS to provide for those he loved.

Just as God would have it, in June of 1977, Bud randomly walked into Rowton’s Diner, where he was smitten by a young girl named Jenny Mays from Mena, Arkansas, who was eating with some friends. Two weeks later, they met up again, and after a six-month whirlwind relationship, they were married on Dec. 31, 1977. Bud and Jennifer built a life together that many would love to have. They were married for almost 48 years. On Sept. 1, 1989, Jesse Elizabeth was born to complete their little family. Bud loved Jennifer and Jesse more than anyone could imagine until 2020, when Jesse and her husband, JP, brought Magnolia Mae Sutmiller (Maggie Mae) into his world. Bud’s cheerful smile would always light up any room, but Maggie magnified it.

Bud Wright was a quiet and lovable man with a pleasant personality. He was humble and always listened to learn from others. He especially enjoyed his “therapy” each day with his coffee crew, whom he admired for their wisdom. Bud was an avid Oklahoma Sooner fan, and he tolerated the Arkansas Razorbacks for his girls. Bud was a member of First Baptist Church in Heavener, and a faithful attendee of Lonesome Dove Cowboy Church. Bud’s life motto was always to eat your dessert first. The powerful legacy he leaves his family, friends, and all who knew him will continue for generations to come.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Wright, of the home; one daughter Jesse Sutmiller and husband Jonathon of Bixby; one granddaughter, Magnolia Mae Sutmiller, of Bixby; one brother, Jimmy Wright of Roland; one brother-in-law Grady Mays and wife Norissa of Weatherford, Texas; his mother-in-law, Betty Garth; his father-in-law, Wayne Mays; three sisters-in-law Cindy Mays of Temple, Texas, Camille Mays of Fredericksburg, Texas, and Farrell Fernandez and husband Joseph of Austin, Texas; beloved nieces and nephews Taylor Mays, Harper Mays, Tessa Heine, Catie Mays, Ike Mays, Abby Robles, Sophia Fernandez, Esai Fernandez, and Lola Fernandez; family friends Vicki Hughes and husband Russell of Mena, Arkansas, and Mike Andrews and wife Mary of Heavener; numerous other loved ones and friends.

Bud is preceded in death by his mother, Edith (Plummer) Wright. 

The family wants to thank the Heart of Hospice, Jenn Alexander, and Donna Nelson for all the care they showed to Bud and the family.

The family also request that everyone dress comfortably, because Bud was a man of comfort. He thoroughly enjoyed wearing his camo.

The family will visit with friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either Gideon Bibles or Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org) in honor of Bud Wright.

To sign Bud’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.