Walter Gene Wright

Judge Walter Gene Wright, 86, of Hot Springs passed away on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Hot Springs. He was born on Oct. 15, 1930 in Benton, Ark. Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Hollis and Nancy Hamonds-Wright, and his sister, Una Hutcheson. He grew up in Benton, Ark., where he helped his parents and sister run a small gas station/grocery store on Military Road. Walter served as Circuit Judge for the Eighteenth Judicial District (East) for many years. He was elected to that position in 1983. Prior to that he served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and was subsequently elected as Prosecuting Attorney for ten successive terms. His combined service in these positions was over twenty five years. He tried many cases in Garland, Montgomery and Polk Counties. Walter also had a general law practice in Hot Springs, Ark., for a number of years prior to his election as Circuit Judge. Walter was a graduate of Benton High School and received his Business Degree and Juris Doctor from University of Arkansas. Between college and law school he served as an Officer in the United States Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean War. Walter enjoyed fishing, gardening, woodworking, and especially quail and pheasant hunting. He was accomplished in running and training pointers and setters and this was a passion he held until late in life. He also had an interest in and was knowledgeable about Ouachita, Niloak and other antique Arkansas art pottery. Walter was a member of a number of organizations such as the Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Arkansas Judicial Council, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Elks Lodge. He was initiated into the Alpha Upsilon Chapter of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at the University of Arkansas. Walter was a member for many years of the First Presbyterian Church of Hot Springs and served at one time as Head Deacon. Loving survivors include his wife of 62 years, Judith (Anderson) Wright; son, Walter Gene Wright, Jr.; daughter, Mary Elizabeth Wright; daughter, Robin Wright Barlow (Todd Stephen Barlow, M.D.); grandchildren, Brooks Barlow, Jillian Barlow, Braeden Barlow, Brendan Barlow, Walter Gene Wright, III, William Anderson Wright, and Molly Elizabeth Wright. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Hot Springs at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1 with Rev. Dr. Lacy S. Sellars Jr. officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Jackson House, Hot Springs, Ark., or First Presbyterian Church, Hot Springs, Ark. Guests may register at www.GrossFuneralHome.com.