Jack Calvin Wright

Jack was born in Sour Lake, Texas; the youngest of eight children. With his father dying when we was two, and only having one brother, he would fondly tell you he was raised by a single mother and a bunch of women. It was probably one of the reasons he had such a charming personality.

At a carnival, when he was 17, he met the love of his life, his soul mate, and the person he would dedicate the rest of his life to; Hazel. Cupid’s arrow struck him hard after meeting her and they were married a year later during his first leave from the Navy. They were married for 64 years and he was by her side even as she took her last breath and succumbed to Alzheimer’s; a true act of love and dedication.

Jack joined the United States Navy Construction Battalion (or Seabees) during World War II. He was one of the 325,000 men who served with the Seabees fighting and building on six continents and more than 300 islands. He was stationed in Hawaii, Korea and Guam. His time in the Navy ended when he was injured in Guam. He was flown home and honorably discharged.

Family was very important to Jack. He was a very dedicated husband and father. Diana was born a year after coming home from the Navy; Robin, ten years after Diana; and Jack, Jr. (or Jackie) was a twenty-months after Robin. He instilled a strong set of values in his kids, but also taught them to have fun and appreciate life.

Every year he made sure they took a family vacation, which always included camping and water skiing. Many trips were made to lakes around Texas and long weekends at Marina Village. This tradition continued with the grandchildren as well. He had a direct hand in teaching all of the grandchildren the proper way to camp and water ski. Singing, dancing, and playing the guitar were some of his favorite hobbies. Western swing and Elvis were the most popular in his book.

Just as Jack was dedicated to his family, he was also dedicated to his work and the Masons. For over fifty years he was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers #716 and the Melrose Masonic Lodge. For his last thirty years with the Union, he was contracted out by Schlumberger as head superintendent. He mentored and guided many men during his time there was respected revered by all that worked with him.

Jack has touched many lives and we are all better people for knowing him. His sparkling blue eyes and smile could charm anyone. He will be dearly missed by everyone, but we are grateful to know that he has been reunited with Hazel; who he has missed so very much.

Jack Calvin Wright, born July 19, 1927 passed away May 21, 2014. He will be greatly missed by his daughter, Robin Wright; son, Jack Wright, Jr.; grandchildren, Mike Campbell and wife Danette, Robynn Campbell, Christie Anderson and husband Andy, Kim DeVos and husband Brad, Dustin Wright, Jordan Wright and wife Aida; great grandchildren, Colton Campbell, Kaley Hughes, Kyle Campbell, Conner Campbell, Tyler Widacki, Jalen Wright, Jordan Faith Wright, Peyton Anderson, and Kyndall Anderson; sister-in-law, Juanita “Tootie” Gibbs and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Friday, May 23, 2014 at Brookside Funeral Home. Funeral service will be conducted at 10:00 am Saturday, May 24, 2014 at Brookside Funeral Home Family Chapel with interment to follow in Brookside Memorial Park.