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Charles Edwin "Chaz" Wright

Charles Wright Obituary

Charles "Chaz" Edwin Wright

June 16, 1940 - Dec. 22, 2023

SPRING CREEK - Charles "Chaz" Edwin Wright, a respected member of the Spring Creek and Elko communities, Nevada's pioneering retired law enforcement officer, and National Guard Reserve (retired) passed away unexpectedly.

Born on June 16, 1940, in Anniston, Alabama, to Coston Wright Sr. and Annie Wright, Charles was raised in both Crescent Valley and Carlin, Nevada. He was a beloved father, brother, grandfather, Great grandfather, and friend.

Chaz's professional life was marked by dedication and service. Earlier, in 1972, he drove for Garret Freight Line. His remarkable career in law enforcement spanned from 1972 to 1988, during which he served as Carlin and Elko County's first Black Chief of Police and the second Black Chief of Police in the State of Nevada. From 1988 to 1998, he worked as a driller at Newmont Gold Company. Additionally, he served 21 years in the Army National Guard Reserve, showcasing his commitment to his country.

Chaz enjoyed volunteering and helping others. He was a man of many talents and interests. He was passionate about restoring old vehicles, riding his Harley, Skydiving and small engine repair. He excelled in various welding techniques, including stick, wire feed/MIG, TIG, and oxygen welding. He also earned a Black Belt in Judo/Karate.

Charles is an alumnus of Carlin Combined Schools, Class of 1960. He furthered his education at Northern Nevada Community College, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement in May 1977. He obtained an Associates of Applied Science in welding Technology at Great Basin College in May of 2000.

He is survived by his sons Jeffrey C. Wright (Las Vegas), Michael C. Wright (Reno), daughter Elizabeth A. Greer (Elko), brothers Coston Wright Jr. (San Antonio), Johnny and Alvin Wright (Elko), Wade Wright (Sparks), and sister Laura Stearns (Boise). His legacy continues through his grandchildren Matthew Wright, Amanda Wright Hanks, Courtney Wright Camargo, Liam Wright, Noah Green, Linkin Greer, Kigh Greer, Makenzie Wright, five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Howard Wright, sisters-in-laws Nancy, Leslie, and Julie Wright, and nephew Jay, niece Jami and nephew Jay Wright Jr.

Chaz's life was a testament to his resilience, dedication, and love for his family and community. He will be deeply missed by all who know him.

Rosary Services will be held at St Joseph Catholic Church on Saturday January 13, at 10:30 am, with Funeral Service (Mass) starting at 11:00 am. A reception will immediately follow at Mater Dei Hall.

In Lieu of Flowers donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Elko Daily on Jan. 2, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Wright

26 Entries

James Woodson

July 4, 2024

Elko and Carlin winners 1974 Me, Chas, Jack, Lindy and Toni

James Woodson

July 4, 2024

Always had fun sparring with him in karate class. Caz was an excellent friend and as well as an excellent competitor. My heart goes out to his family in this time of loss.

Schuldies WE2 Ranch

March 9, 2024

Always a smile and words of encouragement! Wether he stopped to offer you water while walking, a ride to store, conversations when noone else would listen,
A man who surely seemed to give. .more than was given him. I'm gonna miss ya Chaz!!!!
JoLein Joj0 White
So sorry 4 ALL Of US,!
We've lost another good SOUL and he will be missed.

Wil

January 28, 2024

Condolences..

Cheryl Paul

January 13, 2024

Deepest condolences. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Bill McLeod

January 10, 2024

My condolences on your loss to the Wright family. I have many fond memories of Chas and the family from days teaching in Carlin.

Wayne Lund

January 9, 2024

RIP my friend.
My condolences to the family.

Jared

January 8, 2024

Chaz was a Great man. Very honorable and friendly. I met him many years ago. We hit it off as friends. He was quite the character. Always willing to help you with anything he could. He was a great guy and will be missed by many. RIP brother.

Julie Candelaria Herrera

January 6, 2024

Having been a wild teen in the early 80's I had a few opportunities to see Officer Wright but he was always a friend in my heart. I know he touched many lives and I too will miss that million watt smile. RIP friend, until next time.

Angelina Coleman

January 5, 2024

Little by by for now , RIP Chaz. Prayers to you and your family

Michael Gallo'

January 4, 2024

Had a good time and a lot of fun working with Chaz in the 72nd MP's. He was a good man, and great mentor.

James Baumann

January 4, 2024

I got to know Chaz when i was working at the Chevron Station in Carlin. He would stop by every day to visit and make sure we were safe. A true hero that cared so much about everyone he associated with.

Joe Galvin

January 3, 2024

As a young man growing up in Carlin Mr Wright always took care of us I still to this day thank him for keeping me and many other Carlin youth out of trouble God bless you till we meet again. Joe Galvin

William Pennell

January 3, 2024

See you later my friend. I will miss that smile.

Randy Flynn

January 3, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

mike Better

January 3, 2024

Had the privilege of working with him in Law Enforcement ,in Elko in the 80's , he was someone you could count on, a good man

Sue Mauldin Mackert

January 3, 2024

Many condolences to the family.
I knew Chaz from Carlin. He was a good man, proud to call him friend.

Alberta & Brad Carone

January 3, 2024

We knew Chaz for years and Husband worked with him. Every time he passed our home which was just a couple blocked from his mom and dad´s he would stop and visit if we were out. Our sincerest sympathy to you all

Tandy Delmore

January 3, 2024

I have known you most my life. You always had a smile and a joke. I will miss you Chaz

Alyssa Montano

January 2, 2024

Chaz taught my younger sister to drive stick there´s so many great memories with him!

Jayne Dewees

January 2, 2024

Rest in peace

Anita Zacharof

January 2, 2024

Awh Chaz our friend

I will surely miss you and your sly jokes , knowledge, integrity, love , warmth, kindness, the list goes on forever like your love for everyone and everything
Thank you for being the wonderful you that you are
Gods speed our dear friend , loved our last conversation, goodness !!! We were at Walmart and it lasted two hours , and what joy you brought to my heart in the most valuable ways of our lives
I know I will surely miss you, thanks for being our continuous Angel I can always talk to because you would not have it any other way

Love you our friend

Montgomery Lyle

January 2, 2024

Was a deeply good man.

Jim McKowan

January 2, 2024

Chaz, he will be missed. I worked with Chaz thru law enforcement when he worked with Carlin and Elko PD. He was always a gentleman and a good police officer and I considered him a friend.

Sandra Burt

January 2, 2024

What a kind man. He was always so personable and kind. Rest in peace. Bless the family, I know he will be missed

Ron Peck

January 2, 2024

Chaz, I have nothing other than the best of memories of you. thank you for your friendship and all the good times

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results