Marcus Emmett Wright

Marcus E. Wright, 45, longtime resident of Kittitas, passed away at the Kittitas Valley Hospital on Saturday, January 2, 2021 from a probable heart attack. Viewing for family and friends will be on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Johnston & Williams Funeral Home in Ellensburg.

Marcus was born on April 4, 1975 in Pittsburg, California and moved to Kittitas with his mother when he was seven years old, spending the rest of his life in the valley.  He attended school in Ellensburg and graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1993.  While in school, Marcus played on the baseball team and participated in drama club.

Following graduation, Marcus attended drafting and design school in Arizona for a year before returning home.  He met and married Daniall Kunze and was blessed with two children – Makayla and Mitchelle.  That marriage later ended in divorce.  He later reconnected with Shirley Martin, a friend from childhood, and they’ve been companions for the last six years.

Marcus worked as a cook most of his career – most folks would remember him from his time at the Bar-14.  He was employed as a cook at the Buzz Inn at the time of his death.

Marcus enjoyed playing “Magic: The Gathering” , being outdoors and anything baseball related.  He could stand to miss a Seahawks game but never the Mariners.  He loved his children and spent many hours with them camping, going to the park and just hanging out.  He was also a walking encyclopedia of music – ranging from heavy metal to classic rock – and could easily tell you about nearly any song you threw his way.  Most of all, Marcus was a very kind and patient man who had a big heart and he will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Marcus is survived by his daughter Makayla of Elma, WA; son Mitchelle of Kittitas; parents Vivian & Bill Pattee of Ellensburg and his longtime companion Shirley Martin of Kittitas.  His brothers James and Steven also survive.

Memorial contributions in Marcus’s honor are suggested to the family’s funeral expenses via GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/f45a8013

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com