Leslie Wright

ROCK FALLS - Leslie J. "Taffy" Wright, 80, of Rock Falls, died Saturday, Dec. 9, 2006, at his home. After the war, he was a mechanic in business with his father, selling Cockshutt farm implements and later Oliver and White products from Wright Motor Sales, Rock Falls, retiring in 1988.

He was born Feb. 7, 1926, near Walnut, the son of Leslie M. and Elsie M. (Tornow) Wright. He was a 1943 graduate of Walnut High School. He served in the Air Force during World War II as a command gunner on a B-29. He married Norma Welker on July 14, 1945, in Alamagordo, N.M. She died April 30, 2003. He was an avid collector, especially of toys.

Survivors include nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

He also was preceded in death by a son at birth.

The funeral is at 11 a.m. Tuesday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls, with the Rev. Dalmus Meeks officiating. Burial with military honors is at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

To send condolences, visit www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.