Derek William Wright, 37, of Festus died July 27, 2026, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mr. Wright participated in osteogenesis imperfecta protocols at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., for 25 years, flying there two to four times a year. His participation helped doctors understand his condition and other bone afflictions. President Barack Obama sent him a handwritten note congratulating him for being an American hero. He helped raise awareness of this rare and painful disorder. He was a World War II and Cold War buff as well as an ambassador for the Variety Club of St. Louis and the first Fox 2 Weather Watcher for Festus. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his niece and nephew, calling them the children he couldn’t have. He will be remembered as a loving soul who thought of others and, upon his death, he donated his organs. Born June 5, 1989, in St. Louis, he was the son of Susan (Schmidt) and Kerry Wright of Festus.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his grandmother: Ruth Schmidt of St. Louis; a nephew: Indiana Allen; a niece: Adia Allen; his girlfriend of 9 years: Alex Mathews; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis, 11840 Westline Industrial Drive, Ste. 220, St. Louis, 63146 or the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, 656 Quince Orchard Road, Ste. 650, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.