Gene Paul Wright

Gene Paul Wright, 92, passed gently in his sleep on November 22, 2022 at Harbor Manor Senior Living Community. It is with sorrow, but also with a tremendous sense of peace and comfort that we say goodbye to our father and grandfather. His beloved wife of 62 years, Darlene Sue Wright, preceded him in death in October 2021.

Gene was born on April 12, 1930, in Anderson, Indiana, to Paul Washington Wright and Dorothy (May) Wright. He graduated from Anderson High School in 1948 and then attended General Motors Institute (GMI), now called Kettering University, in Michigan on an Engineering Scholarship. During college, Gene was a co-op student with the General Motors Guide Plant in Anderson. While at GMI, he was consistently ranked number one in his class and was inducted into the Honorary Engineering Society, Alpha Tau Lota, his junior year. At that time, Gene was only the second man at Guide ever to achieve this high honor.

After graduating from GMI in 1952, Gene continued his Engineering career at Guide in Anderson. In May of 1954 Gene was drafted into the Army. He went to boot camp at Fort Dix in New Jersey, then served in Stuttgart, Germany, improving radar equipment for the military. While stationed in Germany, he enjoyed traveling to many European countries and experiencing the culture. Upon being honorably discharged from the Army in 1956, Gene returned to Anderson to continue his position at Guide and started a Master’s Program in Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. He completed his Master’s degree in 1960. As a lighting expert, Gene worked in conjunction with General Motors on projects with Stanley in Japan, Pininfarina in Italy, and Mercedes Benz in Germany to name a few. He was also published in Popular Science Magazine.

Gene was married to Darlene Sue Williams on Feb. 15, 1959 at First United Methodist Church. He was happily married for 62 wonderful years. He was a member of the Free Masons, the Lions Club, and the First United Methodist Church. Gene volunteered his time with Community Concerts, SCORE (The Service Corps of Retired Executives), and SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). After retiring from Guide, Gene became the Clerk Treasurer for Edgewood for 10 years, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Gene loved giving and helping others throughout his life. He will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather who encouraged his children to lead lives of integrity, curiosity, and enjoyment. Spending time having dinner and playing cards with family and friends were some of his favorite activities.

Surviving family members are children, David E. Wright, Linda W. Wilson (Steve), and Laura A. Krivoshia (Shaun). Grandchildren are Katelyn K. Kiser (Matt), Cameron S. Krivoshia, Collin W. Krivoshia, Tyler S. Wilson, and Amanda G. Wilson. Brothers include, Robert Dale Wright and Maurice Edward Wright (Elizabeth).

The visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service and Crematory, 515 E. 53rd St., Anderson, IN 46013. The funeral ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Bonnie Zickgraf officiating.

Burial will be in Anderson Memorial Park. All memorial contributions in Gene’s name may be made to the charity of your choosing.

“You see Dad, you’ve really had a wonderful life. Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” (#It’s a Wonderful Life). Until we meet again.