Obituary: Christopher Alan Wright

Christopher Alan Wright was born on June 5, 1958, to Robert David Wright and Carolyn Cochran Wright in Lakewood, Ohio. He was the third of four boys. Chris, as he was known to all, was raised mostly in Springfield, Missouri, which he loved.  

Chris was a good student, he played football throughout high school at Parkview High School as a linebacker for the Vikings Football Team No. 76 and graduated in 1976; then he played tackle for Missouri Southern, for a season. Chris and his family moved to Texas in 1978, he attended Baylor University, and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing at Texas Wesleyan College (now known as Texas Wesleyan University)in December 1981.

Chris and Liz (affectionately called "Beth" by him) met in 1979 and married on June 12, 1982. They enjoyed over 41 years together and were fortunate to share their life with daughter, Tawnya, and grandchildren Haylie and Ethan. Chris worked many jobs, held many titles at work and at home, husband, father but the most cherished was that of "Papa." When he held those babies in his arms for the first time he was overjoyed, and his love had no boundaries. Chris was one of the "constants" in their lives, loved traveling with them, teaching and watching them become the amazing adults they are today.  

Chris was a big man, with an even bigger heart, and was loved by all who knew him. Despite his size, he was a big softie, known for his kind soul and loud, boisterous laugh. Liz never worried about her safety because she always knew he was there, to hold, protect and comfort the family. In fact, from the first day the met, he told her, “I have big shoulders; you can always lean on me.”

For the first 20-plus years of marriage, Chris worked in sales, winning many awards. In the past 10 years, Chris drove a bus for Mansfield ISD, where he also won safety awards. Chris took great pride in the special notes that the students would present to him over the years, and he kept those in a special place. He enjoyed driving the students to and from school, even the more difficult ones.

Chris and Liz traveled a lot, he always was excited to see new places. Chris noticed everything. Liz believed in another life he would have been a great policeman. He could tell you the make and model of cars that he passed, even partials of the license plate, when she couldn’t even remember the color of the car. Chris loved just being aware of everything in his surroundings. He loved home repair shows, any car repair shows; loved reading and learning about new things (especially cars, which he has had many over the years).

Chris was proceeded in death by his father, Robert D. Wright; his mother, Carolyn Cochran Wright; his older brothers, Greg Wright and Tom Wright.

Chris is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Liz" Wright; daughter, Tawnya Beard; granddaughter, Haylie Beard; grandson, Ethan Beard; brother, Steve Wright; nephew, Hunter Wright; nieces, Jenica Wright Klempeland and Mikaela Wright; uncle, Dale Cochran; aunt, Kris Cockran; sisters-in-law, Sandi Wright, Lynda Barker and Sharon Clemons; brothers-in-law, Larry Woods, Michael Barker and Jack Clemons; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at Blessing Funeral Home, 401 Elm St. in Mansfield.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Common Ground Network, Inc; the MISD Education Foundation; or your favorite charity in memory of Chris Wright.