1930
2013
Marvin L. Wright, 82, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2013 at his home in Mount Vernon, Washington. Marvin was born to Hiram and Thelma May (Austin) Wright, November 7, 1930, in Lemesa in the heart of the west Texas plains. The dustbowl and great depression of 1933 forced the family to move for better prospects in Soda, Texas. In Soda they lived on a farm where Marvin loved being a true farm boy raising strawberries, peanuts and corn.
When Marvin was in eighth grade his father became ill. He quit school to help support the family by working a wide variety of jobs from mowing lawns to setting explosive charges. While in Livingston, Texas, he also began to work in a Christian Bible School print shop. It was there he discovered his talent for setting type and working with technical machinery.
Marvin's military career began in 1950 when he joined the US Navy and proudly served his country during the Korean conflict. The Navy recognized his technical abilities and assigned him to an advanced "drone aircraft" program. These pilotless drones were successfully used in Korea for photo reconnaissance and electronic counter measures. They were able to safely gather vital real-time intelligence from ships off shore without endangering a pilot. Marvin also helped devise a remotely controlled system that was installed on full-sized surplus aircraft.
While still in the Navy Marvin managed to get a job setting type for a newspaper in San Diego, California. He frugally saved enough money to buy his first car, a Cadillac! While stationed in California, he met Natalie Frisbie Williams and married his first love on July 24, 1954 after being honorably discharged from the Navy.
Marvin and Natalie lived their lives together in California, where he bought a truck and hauled pot ash for several years. After selling the truck to a friend he eventually returned to his calling of working at a print shop. He worked his way up from assistant type setter to becoming the shop's general manager. Printing became his lifelong career passion. Due to several health issues, Marvin was forced to retire early. Soon after, Natalie became ill and passed away on December 19, 1991. Marvin was determined to carry on and to find "The Queen of His Heart" which he did though a Christian singles personal ad. His "Queen," Phillis Smith, was to be found in Mount Vernon, Washington. Marvin continued to call Phillis his "Queen" during their 20 plus years together residing in Mount Vernon, Washington.
Marvin enjoyed working with his hands and created amazing ornamental wall clocks, tables and chairs, complete furniture suites, and handrails from wrought iron. He loved technology and was an authority on computers from hardware to software. Marvin was a giver and was happiest when lending assistance to family, friends and acquaintances. He loved family-oriented projects and he along with Phillis traveled significantly to research family tree and history. As a result they self-published three family tree books: Dodson, Getting to the Roots, Horn of Plenty and Growing up the Wright Way. Clearly, there just wasn't anything Marvin was afraid to tackle.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Hiram and Thelma May (Austin) Wright, Livingston, Texas. Sisters, Mable Deitrich (Nevin), Ashdown, Texas, Majorie Gay (Lee), West Plains, Missouri, and Phillis' son Donald Smith, Bellingham, Washington and son-in-law Thomas Neumann, Bothell, Washington.
Marvin is survived by his sister Dorothy Fay Goulder, Dayton, Texas, brother J. Clinton Wright, Livingston, Texas. He is also survived by his "Queen Phillis" and her children Ronald (Marlene) Smith, McMinnville, Oregon, Evelyn Neumann, Bothell, WA, Arlene (Bill) West, Silverdale, WA, Raymond (Cheri) Smith, Conway, WA, and nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren too numerous to mention that adored him.
Service arrangements are by Hawthorne Funeral Home, 1825 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, Washington, Phone: (360) 424-1154. Viewing hours are: Friday, April 5, 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM.
A family only internment service, with military honors, will be held Saturday, April 6, 10:00 AM.
The many family and friends are invited to an open celebration of his life, Saturday, April 6, 1:00 PM at Citipoint Church, 830 N 16th Street, Mount Vernon, Washington 98383. There will be a reception following the service.
Memorials may be sent to Citipoint Church and noted Marvin L. Wright.
Please share your thoughts of Marvin and sign the online guest register at www.hawthornefh.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Some of my favorite memories were riding in that big old truck to the gravel yard and riding in the camper on family outings. He was greatly loved and immensely admired. I will miss you, Uncle Marvin. See you in eternity. With loving affection...
Mary Emary
September 28, 2013
Arlene West
June 6, 2013
Arlene West
June 6, 2013
Arlene West
June 6, 2013
Arlene West
June 6, 2013
Arlene West
June 6, 2013
Arlene West
June 6, 2013
Arlene West
June 6, 2013
Arlene West
June 6, 2013
Arlene West
June 6, 2013
Arlene West
June 6, 2013
Marvin was a special person with a consuming smile. A wonderful man with a warm personality filled with kindness for everyone that knew him. We will always remember you.
Arlene West
June 6, 2013
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Marvin my dear love I miss you so much, greet all our loved ones, John,Tom, Don, and a big hug like only you can give to each one.
This is what I would have said if I would have known he was leaving so soon.
Phillis
April 17, 2013
Dear Phillis,
My prayers to you in all the ways that God can bring to you. I remember how happy you were when you met Marvin. May that happiness be with you always. Theresa Hansen (Smith)
April 6, 2013
Phillis, I am so sorry to hear about Marvin's passing. I pray that your many memories that you and Marvin made together will help you get through this difficult time.
Deepest Sympathy,
Beverly Mitrisin
Beverly Mitrisin
April 4, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time
Don And Barb Hoover
April 4, 2013
Phillis, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ron & Rena Johnson
April 4, 2013
Marvin was always the same kind and loving when ever I saw him.A genuine, example of what a Christian is.
My heart goes out to you Phillis and family.You are, and have always been in my prayers.
April 4, 2013
Marvin was one of the kindest people I ever knew.Genuine, always to give a hand or kind word.
A great brother in law.
We will always miss him. My heart goes out to you Phillis !!!
Sarah L. Cummings
April 4, 2013
The peace of The Lord be with you always. I will always remember your kindness.
Grace Neumann
April 4, 2013
Phillis, You and your family are in our prayers. We are so grateful for the time we had together, when you and Marvin spent your winters in Az, just to short. We are also also very grateful to you and Marvin for the family tree as we call it the Book. It lays on our coffee table and we refer to it quite often and think of all the work and love that you and Marvin put into it.
Thoughts and Prayers,
Bill and Sandy Butterbrodt
April 3, 2013
Our prayers go out to you Phillis and your family. God Bless You
Henry LaCount
March 30, 2013
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Always enjoyed our visits with Marvin.
Ron and Judy Collison
March 30, 2013
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Prayers, love and sympathy from my family to yours.
Nancy Malott
March 30, 2013
I am so sorry for a great loss. I'll never forget the big hugs and he always had a smile for everyone.
March 29, 2013
Our hearts are sad for you Phyllis and your family. So sorry we never had the opportunity to meet Marvin, but have heard he was a grand fellow. May God's presence be your comfort and strength, to help you carry on your life. Praying for you. 'In Christ's great love, Pastor Don and Betty Shover, Payette, IDAHO
March 29, 2013
Marvin we loved when you and aunt Phillis came back to visit we had a good time and many laugh's. We will miss you. Now who will I get to work on my computer when you come back it won't be the same. LOVE
Nancy L Douglas
March 29, 2013
My deepest sympathies. Uncle Marvin was a great man. Although there were not many opportunities, I appreciate the times I was able to be around him.
Brad Dodson
March 28, 2013
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