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Clymer Wright Obituary
Clymer Lewis Wright Jr., who helped define the Houston region over decades as a crusading journalist and later activist for community and conservative causes, died at his home over the weekend. He was 79.
One of his earliest accomplishments came as the young editor of the Fort Bend Reporter in the mid-1950s. Despite death threats targeting him and his family, he worked closely with state authorities to rid that county and Galveston of long-entrenched organized crime and gambling syndicates.
His unique personality of warm confidence, hearty laugh and a zest for life could instantly uplift friends and allies - and disarm adversaries.
Wright waged a years-long effort to convince Ronald Reagan to run for President. He was a leader of Texans for Reagan in 1968 and served as the Texas Finance Chairman for Reagan's 1980 victory for the Presidency.
In the early 1990s , he organized Citizens for Term Limitations and the election initiative that capped the number of terms in office for Houston elected officials.
Wright recently headed his community association's winning legal battle to conserve the public spaces that had been part of the Inwood Forest Golf Country Club. He remained very active in area issues of public interest and conservative candidates until his death.
He had been an executive with AFLAC for the past 18 years, after careers in publishing area newspapers and real estate ventures.
The Korean War Army veteran confidently and unabashedly declared his Christian faith in his daily life. His compassion could be seen in his extensive support for charitable groups, and his work for the alumni association of his beloved Southern Mississippi University.
As a journalism student at Southern Miss, he met his future wife, Sandra Jean Lee. She was the mother of his three children during their 34-year marriage, which ended in her death in 1988. For the past 20 years, he was married to Mary Katherine Wright, his longtime partner in AFLAC work. She passed away last Nov. 11.
He is survived by his 3 children: Cindy Wright Gabriel and husband George Flynn; Clymer Wright III and wife Toni of Arizona; and Linda Wright Tomasetti and husband Barry of Pennsylvania. Others are sister Suzanne Gillis of Houston; brother Michael Wright of North Carolina: grandchildren Laura and Julia Gabriel; Christopher Wright; and Barry Jr., Corey and Kerry Tomasetti: and great-grandson Nathan Wright. Recently, Clymer Wright also had been proudly caring for and helping to raise grandniece Haley.
The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Clymer's honor to the Center for Hearing and Speech, 3636 W. Dallas, Houston, 77019.
Visitation will be Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Heights Blvd. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Christchurch Baptist Fellowship, 12501 Champion Forest Dr. in Houston.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clymer Wright
Karyn Jordan
February 15, 2011
I just heard the news today about Clymer. I have only spoken to him and Katherine a few times but they were both very sweet people. I am the WWHQ contact that coordinates the approvals for the City of Houston. I had the priviledge of working with both of them for the past 5+ years. They will be truly missed.
Karyn Jordan
Aflac WWHQ
Kathy Campbell
February 12, 2011
I had the honor of working for Clymer at Ambro, Short & Wright in the 1970s. He was a wonderful man to work for -- a true family man with strong conservative political convictions and a strong religious faith. Clymer was always smiling and had a joke to tell. He loved to work the Houston Chronicle crossword puzzles. It was a true pleasure to have known him. He will remain one of my life's most unforgettable characters.
Clymer, Cindy and I and his granddaughters, Laura and Julia, Aldine 20th High School reunion
Sharon Trojan Hollinger
February 1, 2011
I knew Clymer as my best friend's scary dad who wouldn't let us date boy's with long hair and was always threatening to make us live in a convent until we were 18. Those were the days...he will be greatly missed by all the people who's lives he touched.
Kim Morgan
January 31, 2011
I had the honor of meeting Clymer just one time - but it was certainly memorable. Rest in peace, Mr. Wright. You have worked long and hard and deserve eternal rest.
Judy Overton
January 31, 2011
What an incredible person, an incredible life.
Tammy Portnoy
January 30, 2011
Echoing what my parents said, pretty darn sure I learned something knew about Houston history every time I got to talking with "Cindy's Dad." Glad I got the chance to know him.
M. Bret Reagin
January 30, 2011
Dear Buddy, Linda and Cindy,
I'd like to offer condolences from me and my family. Your father was a good man, and whenever I think of him I remember his smile, and it makes me smile.
Kim and Alan Curtis
January 29, 2011
Dear Family,
We are stunned and saddened by this unexpected loss. Unable to make another trip from Pennsylvania so soon, having just been there for Katherine's death. Please know you are all in our prayers: Cindy, Linda, Buddy and all your families. We send our love and condolences, Kim (Sheftall)Curtis and Alan Curtis, and family
January 29, 2011
We are sorry to know of your loss. Your dad was a very special guy. It was an honor to know him through the years that we were neighbors. He gave us a peak at some of Houston's history and the role he played in it.
Cookie and Ben Portnoy
Thomas Flynn
January 29, 2011
To the Wright Family, the Flynn Family wants to send out a sincere pray to you, your father I became closer friends after my mother passed and he was a wonderful person that would listen and understand what life was all about. After IFCC closed his love and admiration for our neighborhood took on a new life but he understood that I could not participate, we spent many a night working on how to get our course back but to no aval.....he never gave up....have my pics out of Darkwood tonight see him play volleyball with all of them....his laughter will bring smiles to all we have lost....my thoughts are with you!@!!!!!!
Robert Goss
January 28, 2011
I knew Clymer through our mutual association with The University of Southern Mississippi. He was kind, generous and a great ambassador for our University. He certainly did his part to take Southern Miss To The Top. Our loss is heaven's gain. I pray God's blessings be upon his family.
Carol Moshier
January 28, 2011
Steve and I send our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Cindy, George, and the family of Clymer Wright. We will long remember his captivating smile and optimism. His laugh brought joy to any room that he entered.
May you know our love for you all,
Carol and Stephen Moshier
Bill Blythe
January 28, 2011
Clymer was truly a great American and Houstonian. I shall always treasure the memories of our working together for Ronald Reagan early in the campaign when the Texas Republican leadership was leaning in another direction. I admired his political courage and how he would take a stand even when the odds appeared to be against his cause. America has lost a true patriot.
Judie Kochenower
January 28, 2011
To the family of Clymer,
He was always so supportive of our efforts for Southern Miss here in Houston and in Hattiesburg. I'm glad to have known him. I will miss him greatly. My prayers are with all of his family.
Judie Kochenower
Charlie Phillips
January 28, 2011
I was proud to have Mr. Wright in my life. I knew his 1st wife and she was a sweet lady. I worked for his mother for him and also, worked for his daughter, Cynthia. They were the most beautiful family that I’ve ever known in my life.
If everybody in Houston was as beautiful as those two people this world would be a better place to live in.
Rest in Peace Mr. Wright.
Charlie D Phillips
January 28, 2011
I was proud to have Mr. Wright in my life. I knew his 1st wife and she was a sweet lady. I worked for his mother for him and also, worked for his daughter, Cynthia. They were the most beautiful family that I've ever known in my life.
If everybody in Houston was as beautiful as those two people this world would be a better place to live in.
Rest in Peace Mr. Wright.
Charlie D Phillips
Melanie Kaplan
January 28, 2011
I am going to miss you Mr. Wright. You always knew how to put a smile on my face. I will see you again!
Laura Gabriel
January 28, 2011
My grandfather was never less than completely honest, always had a great story to tell, and could make a room full of people smile with his laugh. He will be greatly missed. A true character - unique in every way.
January 27, 2011
We send our deepest sympathy to Clymer's family. We lived in Inwood Forest for 32 years and Clymer was a good neighbor. He walked the cart path behind our house every day and he would always wave. He loved Inwood Forest and worked hard for the community. He will be missed.
Jan and Jim Fitzgerald and family.
The Harper Family
January 27, 2011
We remember Mr. and Mrs. Wright as one of the most colorful and popular couples in the room at the Confederate Ball each year. They were such good friends of our grandparents, Allen and Mary Johnston, who always spoke so highly of them. It was beautiful to watch them live it up with each other, and share themselves so generously with their friends. May God bless you and your family with a peaceful spirit at this difficult time.
Kurt Ballard
January 27, 2011
Deeply saddened by the news of Clymer's passing.A good man who made quite an impact on me as a young adult. He will be greatly missed.
Louise Moorhead
January 27, 2011
I had the pleasure of knowing Clymer for over 25 years - as a fellow volunteer in the nonprofit sector, as one of his physicians, and most of all, as his good friend. I am deeply saddened by his sudden passing. May he rest in peace.
Mark and Mary Johnson (Tucker)
January 27, 2011
I was truly saddened by the news of Uncle Clymer's passing. My father (Robert Tucker) spoke very highly of him, stating what a wonderful, God loving man he was. Our prayers are with our family in Texas!
Kenneth (Poor Boy" Dawan
January 27, 2011
I knew Clymer when I lived in Inwood Forest. I attended many homeowner meeting with him and I thought a lot of his love for his our community.
Mike and Dian Duoto
January 26, 2011
We are so sorry to hear of Clymer's passing. He will be greatly missed.
Clymer always had a smile on his face every morning as he walked "Inwood Forest."
Mike and Dian Duoto
Marty Morrison
January 26, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Geri Konigsberg
January 26, 2011
Cindy,
I am sorry for your loss. Your dad was a most interesting person. He will be missed.
geri
Sarah McWhorter
January 26, 2011
I will miss seeing him walk past my house every day with a smile on his face and at the annual Inwood homeowners meeting. He was quite a character! Prayers for his family.
Natalie Vuckovic
January 26, 2011
Clymer was such a passionate supporter and friend to The Center for Hearing and Speech. He will be greatly missed but definitely remembered. - The staff at the Center
Paul Brown III Family
January 26, 2011
Clymer was a great leader in our neighborhood, and always friendly to everyone.
Inwood Forest residences will miss his guidance in the future years.
Our prayers are with Cindy and her family.
Martha Stine
January 26, 2011
Dear family of Clymer,
Your dad and graddad was one of the kindest and most generous men I have known and I know you will miss him. As I read the obituary, I learned of Katherine's passing. Please know both will be terribly missed by thousands of friends.They both were full of faith, love and joy.
A friend in Christ,
Martha Stine
Hugo Du Bois
January 26, 2011
Sad to see you go so soon Clymer, but your neighbors & friends like me will finish the fight and restore your neighborhood better than before.
Athena Castillo
January 26, 2011
You were a good and intelligent man who was an inspiration to many. You will truly be missed!
January 26, 2011
Another strong voice for our community has gone silent. Debbie Harlow
Clymer Wright
January 26, 2011
We will miss you greatly dad, Buddy & Toni.
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