Danny James Wright

Danny James Wright, 56, of Anchorage and formerly of Davenport, Iowa, passed away May 16 in Anchorage.

A memorial service will be held 6:30 p.m. Monday at Bettendorf First Assembly in Bettendorf, Iowa. Interment will be at a later date.

Danny James Wright was born Feb. 16, 1953 in Moline, Ill., to Charles E. and Lydia (Moos) Wright. He served for a short time in the Marine Corps.

He lived in various locations over the past several years including Arlington, Texas, Iowa City, Iowa, San Francisco and Anchorage. He loved fishing, camping, dinosaurs, and the game show “Jeopardy.” He was also handy at home repairs. He was always willing to help anybody out if he was able. Some of his friends in Alaska nicknamed him Papa Smurf. In his childhood, his sister called him Buddy.

His family wrote: “We commit you into the hands of a just and merciful Savior and pray that you will finally be at peace, Danny. Our love goes with you.”

He is survived by his sister, Rev Juanita (Joseph) Mahieu, Davenport, Iowa; daughter, Lisa (Jeff) Stivers, Palmer; son, Jason Wright, Anchorage; three grandchildren, Stephen, Samantha and Sara, all of Alaska; two nieces, Julie (David) Graham and Joy Rudolph, both of Bettendorf; step-niece, Jennifer Arnold, Davenport, Iowa; step-nephew, Steven (Sarah) Mahieu, California; two great-nieces; one great nephew; four great-step-nieces and one great-step-nephew.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, two infant siblings, and an infant granddaughter, Lydia.

Memorials are preferred to Cafe on Vine or King’s Harvest, which are both serving the homeless.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Hasara Family and the Cremation Society of Alaska. An online guestbook can be signed at www.alaskacremation.com.