Lincoln "Jake" Wright

Lincoln "Jake" Wright, 34, of Robinson, IL, left this world on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Jewish Hospital in Louisville, KY. He was a beloved son, brother, and friend whose zest for life and deep compassion for others left an unforgettable impression on everyone he encountered.

Born on November 13, 1989, in Robinson, IL, Jake was a bright light from the start. As a child, he faced a speech impediment, but rather than letting it define him, Jake's unique way of expressing himself became one of the many charming qualities that his family treasured. Whether he was playing "fatch" with the dog or recounting tales of being "burned by a 'hot butterfly'" after a bee sting, Jake brought laughter and warmth to every room he entered. His innate charisma and flair for the dramatic fed his love for the performing arts. Whether it was starring in a commercial for his dad's glass shop or later gracing stages in South Bend, Carmel, and locally at Lincoln Trail College, his love for theater and dance was the centerpiece of his life. He was especially proud of his work choreographing children's theater at LTC, finding immense joy in helping young performers discover their own love for the stage.

A graduate of Robinson High School in 2008, Jake went on to attend Indiana University, earning a degree from the prestigious Ernie Pyle School of Journalism in 2012. During his time at IU, Jake served as Editor-in-Chief of the Indiana Daily Student, where he became known for his bold headlines, including the historic "WE GOT HIM!" following the death of Osama Bin Laden. Despite his self-admitted challenges with spelling, Jake's dedication to journalism was unwavering, driven by a strong belief in the power of unbiased reporting. His career took him from Phoenix to the South Bend Tribune, where he rose through the ranks from being the Nighttime Cops Reporter to a member of the digital editing team. He took great pride in his work, especially when it meant standing up for journalistic integrity - even in the face of personal threats. More recently, Jake found a new calling at First National Bank in Olney, where, despite initial reservations, he discovered a deep fulfillment in helping others and connecting with his colleagues as a teller.

This should come as no surprise, as he always prioritized the well-being of those around him. No matter what challenges he faced, his concern always shifted to others, especially to his family and friends. His tender-hearted nature was further evidenced in his deep love for his two cats, Thelma and Louise, who he even put ahead of himself when considering a significant life change!

Locally, Jake was a member of the Robinson Masonic Lodge #250 and was also an active participant in cosplay communities, where he forged lasting friendships through conventions like DragonCon. His love for Disney, Jurassic Park, and Nintendo games was well-known, as was his playful aversion to any video game that was remotely scary.

Jake lived his life with a passion that was both wide-ranging and deeply felt. And we could feel it, too. His last role on stage was, for him, a bucket list production: "Rent", a musical that spoke to him on a personal level. A central theme of the show is the value of love and of life. In fact, in its song "Seasons of Love", love is hailed as the truest measure of life's worth. We who loved and were loved by Jake Wright know this to be true. And so, though his time with us was seemingly cut short, we can remember it with gladness, knowing that his 34 years were filled to the brim with life.

He is survived by his parents, Freddie & Fayrene Wright, and his sister & brother-in-law, Jessi Wright & Brannon Kunkel. Jake also leaves behind his cherished aunts, Sharon Wright, Teresa & Ronnie Mullins, and Loretta & Bill Whalen, as well as numerous cousins and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Freddie & LaVerne Wright, Ellis & Cleda Rich, and his uncle, Larry Gene Wright.

A time of visitation will be held at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13th. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 14th, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . In honor of Jake's love for the performing arts, memorial contributions may be made to the "LTC Theater", and memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Robinson Old Cemetery.