Charles "Sonny" William Bright was born July 2, 1926, at home in Valley Center, KS. He died peacefully at home January 5, 2025, in Wichita, KS. He served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Santa Fe during World War II from 1943 to 1947. His parents were Ido Franklin Bright (deceased) and Gladys Mae Lewis Bright (deceased). He had five siblings, Virgina Matson "Sissy", EJ Bright (deceased), Beverly Cannon (deceased), Frank Bright (deceased), and Verlin Bright (deceased). He married Dorothy Lee Thompson (deceased) on March 18, 1949. They had four children, Daryl Bright (deceased), Karen Hopper, Kathy Bright (deceased), and Kevin Bright (Sharon). He had one granddaughter, Aquarius Bright (Jim Tarry). He also had many nieces and nephews that loved him dearly.

His career with the Derby Refinery was from 1951 to 1988. In 1995 he married Kathryn "Kay" Coyan. He then inherited four stepchildren: Kari Herpolsheimer (Terri Snyder), Kelly Coyan (Cathy Goodwin), Kris Coyan (Lisa), Karen Schaefer (Matt). Ten grandchildren, Anders Herpolsheimer (Morgan), Adam Herpolsheimer, Kanen Coyan (Cici), Bryce Coyan (Cassy), Nick Coyan, Bobby Coyan, Katrina Coyan, Holden Schaefer, Malachi Schaefer, and Annabelle Schaefer. Four great grandchildren, Ivy Coyan, Harper Borrego, Caroline Herpolsheimer, and Layla Herpolsheimer.

Charles was a great man that enjoyed hunting and fishing, horse and dog races, sports and sporting events, and playing cards and games. He will be greatly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to:

Woodland United Methodist Church, 1100 W. 15th St. N. Wichita, KS 67037

Phoenix Home Care & Hospice, 3450 N Rock Rd. Bldg. 200 Ste 213, Wichita, KS 67226

Services will be held 1:00 P.M. Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Baker Funeral Home West,

3224 N. Tyler Road, Wichita, KS.