Howard Emerson Wright

Howard Emerson Wright "Em /Grumps" born 4 June 1929, Ft. Madison, Iowa son of Howard & Margaret Wright and entered the presence of Jesus on 2 April 2009. He was valedictorian of the Class of 1947 at Ft. Madison High School.  He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Coe College in 1951 where he received his commission as 2nd Lt. in the U.S.A.F.  On April 12, 1952 he married his college sweetheart Carol "Cay" Zochert.  He served in the European theater and then transferred back to the states where he received his Masters degree from Boston University. He held a variety of stateside assignments before serving as a Combat Wing Commander in Vietnam.  After his tour he again held a variety of positions culminating in his final title of Commander of the Foreign Technology Division at W.P.A.F.B., OH, where he and Cay retired from active service.  His awards include the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and other personal, campaign, and unit awards.  After his retirement in Aug.1981, Colonel Wright moved to Edmond and taught AFROTC at Edmond High School.  He became an active member of the community helping start the Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity and he worked closely with Citizens Concerned (now Caring) for Children.  He was an Elder at 1st Presbyterian Church of Edmond where he helped start the Cursillo (now Pilgrimage) ministry here as well as in several other communities around the country. Em is survived by Cay, his bride of 57 years, two daughters Deborah Wright Westby (Neil) and Rebecca Wright Sutton (Brad), two sons David Wright (Carol) and Paul Wright (Sara), and 12 grandchildren - Nathan, Jeremy, Joshua (Heidi), Andrea (Brad), Jessica, Andrew (Amy), DJ, Joel, Jordan, Benjamin, Tim and Caleb.  He is preceded in death by his parents.  A "Celebration of Life" service will be held on April 26, 2009 at 2:00pm?at First Presbyterian Church of Edmond 1001 S. Rankin. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Howard Emerson Wright please visit our Sympathy Store.