ELKHART -- Daniel Garland "Dan" Wright, 66, of Elkhart, died Sunday (Jan. 3, 2010), in his home after a brief battle with cancer.

Mr. Wright was born Dec. 19, 1943, in Freeman, W. Va., to Daniel B. and Hazel L. (Quesinberry) Wright. On May 5, 1990, he married Marie E. Wells in Elkhart.

She survives, along with one son, Daniel J. Wright of Bloomington; three daughters, Deb L. Goodman of Elkhart, Susan I. Barlow of Mishawaka and Celeste (Chad) Mashburn of Bloomington; one brother, Richard (Judy) Wright of Elkhart; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Anna Lee McDowell.

Mr. Wright worked at the Pierre Moran Kroger grocery store in Elkhart for more than 47 years, having performed all the store's duties at one time or another. After his retirement, he and his wife traveled throughout the region as he maintained his daughter's snack business. He was a high counselor for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He graduated from Elkhart High School in 1961.

He enjoyed playing bluegrass music on his guitar, fishing, writing and researching family genealogy. He liked to work outdoors and kept an English garden at his home.

Mr. Wright has been cremated. His remains will be returned to his childhood home in the West Virginia mountains.

A celebration of his life with friends and family will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3415 Pleasant Plain Ave., Elkhart.

Billings Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be given to the Goshen "Care At Home" Hospice, care of Goshen General Hospital.

Online condolences may be sent at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.