Charles M. Wright

Born in Warren, PA on Feb. 5, 1928, to Arthur Moore Wright and Eva Case Wright, Charles was one of five siblings, Albert Wright, James Wright, Donna Wright Clark, and Caroline Wright Sharp, who enriched his earlier years in Conneautville, PA. He received his high school diploma from Meadville High School. He answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the U.S. Navy in April 1945. However, his service was cut short due to a medical discharge in December of 1945 following complications from rheumatic fever. Charles initially pursued forestry studies at Utah College, but his deep faith and sense of purpose led him toward ministry. He left Utah College to attend St. Paul Bible College in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he prepared for a lifelong commitment to spreading God’s word. Throughout his pastoral career, he faithfully shepherded congregations across Utah, California, and Washington, offering guidance, compassion, and spiritual leadership to many.

In 1951, Charles married Annabell Jane Neuman, and together they raised four children, Rose Marie Wright Anthony (Jimmy), Stephan P. Wright (Cynthia), Bryan L. Wright (Diana), and Mark W. Wright (Karen). Following Anabell’s passing in 2000, he found companionship once more and married Pauline Bennett Saxton in 2002.

Beyond his dedication to ministry, Charles also had a distinguished career with the US Bureau of Reclamation. Over the course of two decades, he contributed to the construction and maintenance of major projects such as Glen Canyon Dam in Arizona, a canal structure in California, and Grand Coulee Dam in Washington. After retiring from the Bureau in 1980, he spent another 12 years working as a quality control inspector at the Hanford Nuclear Plant in Washington State before retiring in 1991.

Charles found joy in his family, leaving behind a legacy of love and strength though his three sons, step-son Kip Saxton, and step-daughters Laura Saxton Cummings, and Julie Tyler and one foster daughter, Sandie Williams (Ray) Clark. He was a beloved grandfather to nine grandchildren, Michael Wright, Melissa Wright, Chiffon Johnson, Misty Kuenniger, Kurtis Moller, Derek Saxton, Mitchell Cummings, Adam Cummings, and Alex Cummings; 15 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Additional grandchildren include, Jared Clark (Jessica), Janelle Clark, Jennifer Clark, Jacqueline Clark Gefell (Josiah) Josiah Clark (Rachel)

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, his first wife, Annabell Wright, and their daughter, Rose Wright Anthony.

Charles will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his heart for service, and his dedication to both his family and community. His impact on the lives he touched will remain a testament to a life well lived.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Mayville United Methodist Church, 81 S. Erie St., Mayville, NY 14757. A light luncheon will follow at the church. Memorial donations can be made to the church.

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com.