Wright, Clarence Edward 1910 - 2002

WRIGHT, SMITH, COUSINS, ORTMAN, KRULL, KELLOGG, RESOR

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 2/26/2015 at 14:11:21

Cedar Rapids Gazette, Sun. 29 Sept. 2002.

Elkader- Clarence Edward Wright, 92, died Friday morning, Sept. 27, 2002, in Central Community Hospital following a long illness. Graveside services: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Mederville Cemetery, rural Elkader, by Rusty Phillips. There will be no visitation. Leonard Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Clarence was born of goodly parents, Edward Arthur Wright and Maude May Smith Wright, on March 24, 1910, in Maryville, Nodaway County, Mo.

Clarence was one of 10 children, five boys and five girls, all of whom preceded him in death except a sister, Donna Lizitta May Wright of Des Moines.

Preceding Clarence in death was his wife, Elma Irene Cousins Wright. They were married 13 years and had three sons. Elma passed away Sept. 25, 1957.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Opal Neoma Ortman Wright, having married on Dec. 31, 1959.

Also surviving Clarence are three sons, two stepsons, two stepdaughters, 22 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild.

The children include Robert Norman Wright and wife Orvella of Holts Summit, Mo., Edward Arthur Wright and wife Elaine of Newport News, Va., Michael Eugene Wright and wife Connie of Olathe, Kan., Phyllis Krull of Lincoln, Neb., Patricia Kellogg and husband J. P. of Strawberry Point, Jerry Resor and wife Betty of Milwaukee, Wis., and Jack Resor and wife Jean of Masonville.

Clarence, a self-taught retired construction engineer, and Opal lived in Mederville for 26 years. During the depression, Clarence helped feed his family by working with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). He built liberty ships during World War II and worked in the construction industry all his life. Clarence was a carpenter, builder of bridges, culverts, dams and flood control along the Mississippi and Cedar rivers.

Clarence taught his family by personal example the value of hard work and honesty in dealing with his fellow man. Clarence left a magnificent legacy that has benefited his whole family.