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BORN
1946
DIED
2020
Herbert Wright Obituary
1946 - 2020
Herb Wright, age 73, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday morning, June 6, with his wife, Carlene, steadfastly by his side. Herb served 30 years in the U.S. Air Force, 16 of which were in the National Guard/Reserves. He earned a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, and worked in the Akron Ohio, Montgomery, Alabama, and Zanesville, Ohio school systems. Herb ended his career as Principal at Reynoldsburg Junior High school. Herb served twice as a Bishop (minister) in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The roles he valued most were Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend. Herb and Carlene met at church. Three weeks later, Herb proposed. They were together 48 years and raised five children. While we children hated it at the time, Herb volunteered us to mow the grass of every widow, take meals to everyone who sneezed, and help every person on earth move their sofa. He devoured leftovers (including stealing off our plates), lost every game of Old Maid, and forced us to hear the same three jokes over and over. But no matter what, to his death he did his best to be a good Dad and Husband. As his wife, his children, and his grandchildren, we strongly believe that our lives were better because he existed. Due to Corona restrictions, a private graveside service will be held at Glen Rest Memorial Gardens, in Reynoldsburg. In lieu of flowers, Herb would appreciate donations be made to his Church's Humanitarian Aid fund at https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services.
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Memories and Condolences
for Herbert Wright
Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.
Jim Ward
June 4, 2024
The Wright family were the best neighbors, even though Herb sneaked in that left upper cut. We all have great stories. Thanks Herb.
Len Lancy
November 3, 2023
I was stationed at McClellan AFB with Herb and we shared an off base apartment. In addition we played for the base basketball team. Herb always had a smile was very humble and his speech was gracious and respectful. I attended Kent State 8 miles from Akron but met him at McClellan. He had done some student teaching before entering the Air Force and he showed me a picture of the 6th grade class he was student teaching. He had a huge smile and looked so youthful I thought he was one of the kids! I remember when he met Carlene. He was absolutely smitten! He was sent to Vietnam and shortly after that I received an honorable discharge from the Air Force. I tried several times to find him but I was unsuccessful. Last night I had a dream about Herb. I tried to find him again and did but sadly through his obituary! He was an exceptional man and role model! May the God of all comfort comfort the hearts of his family and friends!
Andrea (Andi) Irish
July 24, 2020
I was privileged to work with Mr. Wright at the Reynoldsburg Junior High School. I always found him to be a caring, thoughtful and dedicated man who lived by his principles. It was a pleasure to carry out whatever he asked me to do. My sincerest sympathy goes to his family and friends as I know he will be dearly missed.
Andrea (Andi) Irish
Jim Ward
June 23, 2020
The Wright family lived next door to my family when we moved to Firestone Park in 1956. Harold and Florence were two of the nicest people I have ever known. They had a positive influence on me and all the neighbors. And growing up with the brothers Wright, like all kids we had a few problems, but none that lasted while we peddled papers, cut lawns and painted houses. We played a lot of sports together too.
One summer, Herb and I painted my parent's house. I was up on a ladder 3 stories painting while Herb was below on a step ladder. I heard a noise and looked down. Herb had spilled an entire bucket of white paint and was rolling around in the grass by their back door trying to wipe the paint off. I was laughing so hard I nearly fell off the ladder.
It was good times and I owe it to the Wright family. Herb was looked up to by his peers and us younger kids. He was tall, funny, athletic and intelligent. The last time I saw Herb was when he attended my dad's funeral. I was so happy to see him and it was nice of him to be there. I could write a book about growing up next door to the Wrights but I doubt anyone would learn anything new. Herb and his brothers and parents were just great people and neighbors. As a USAF Vietnam era vet and later Guardsman myself, thank you for your service. And everyone called him Herbie.
Dan Bravard II
June 21, 2020
I had the great blessing of serving as Elders Quorum President (Family Ministry) under Herb while he was Bishop (Minister) for the Reynoldsburg Ward. Bishop Wright spent a great deal of time instructing me on service, provide me suggestions then let me go and serve. Never critical but always supportive he often told me to, "Do the best you can and it will work out alright."
Years later as I served as Bishop in Toledo, Ohio I would call upon those same instructions Herb gave me as I gave "pearls of wisdom" to other inexperienced leaders and members. When I was faced with particularly difficult and challenging situations I would always think to myself, "What would Bishop Wright do if he was here with me?"
He was a quiet and humble man but stands as one of the great influences of my adult life.
Linda Cabe
June 17, 2020
Herb was a great friend to Bob and Joe Cabe through college and through life. Your hospitality at various times was always above and beyond. He will be missed and his memory cherished.
God bless you,
Linda Cabe
Jay
June 16, 2020
Rest in Peace, Dr. Wright!
Aron Ross
June 11, 2020
I worked with Herb when he was the principal of Reynoldsburg Junior High School. Herb was a good school administrator, a good principal, a good man with a good, kind heart. He
was an advocate for his kids. I am so sorry for you loss. May your memories be a blessing and a source of solice. Aron Ross
Tyler Wright
June 11, 2020
Herb was a great person.
Evelyn Olson
June 10, 2020
Herb was the oldest of all of our cousins in the Wright family. He always had a great sense of humor and was a really good person to be around.
We cousins always had a good time at all of the holidays at Grandma Wright's and looked forward to family gatherings. Great times...amazing memories. Rest In Peace, Herb, my oldest cousin will be sorely missed.
Cousin Evelyn (Wright) Olson
Carl and Rhonda Eberst
June 10, 2020
We are honored to have known him and been on the receiving end of his wise counsel and never ending humor. Love to his family.
James Ledergerber
June 10, 2020
Dr. Wright lived his life the right way! He was a positive role model for all that met him.
He was instrumental in helping me get started in my second career with Reynoldsburg City Schools.
The world lost a great man this past Saturday, but, God took home a superstar!
Thanks Herb for being the person you were.
James Ledergerber
Kelly Wood-Ard
June 10, 2020
Carlene and family,
Never in my 36 year long teaching career did I ever work for a more kind and giving man. He was kind, wise and supported me though my divorce the year he hired me. He was a tireless champion of his students and staff. I was blessed to know him as were so very many! Thank you for sharing him with his Reynoldsburg family! He was certainly an Earthly Angel.
Kim Wright
June 10, 2020
Thinking of your family with love and prayers. Herb was always so kind and funny (probably the same 3 jokes;) He and Carlene were always so kind to my parents ❤ With love, Cousin Kim
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