John Raoul Wright

John was born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, on February 22, 1950, to Frank Boyd Wright Sr. and Emma L’heureux Wright. John’s father was an aviator in the United States Coast Guard stationed at Elizabeth City. During John’s early life, he lived in Corpus Christi, TX; Kodiak, AK; Miami, FL; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Traverse City, MI; Agana, Guam (Marianas Islands), and finally settled in Corpus Christi, TX, where he lived for 58 years, other than his four years at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX.

He is preceded in death by his father, Frank Wright Sr., his mother, Emma Wright; and his daughter, Alison L’heureux Donatucci. John is survived by his loving wife, Ramona Wright; his son, Nathan Spencer Wright; his three brothers Frank Boyd Wright Jr. & Evelyn of Anthem, AZ; Mark Stephen Wright & Rita of San Antonio, TX; Henry Wilcher Wright & Sarah of San Antonio, TX; his granddaughter, Laura Grace Donatucci; his stepson, Benjamin Heckendorf; granddaughter, Lexi; grandson, Westin; his stepdaughter, Lydia Heckendorf Collins; granddaughters Jade, Raven, Nova, and grandson, Stanton III “Bebop”. John has numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout the United States.

John graduated from Richard King High School in 1968. He graduated from Del Mar College in 1971 as an Associate of Architectural Technology. During 1971-1975, John attended Texas A&M where he graduated as a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture in Urban Design. He was a passionate student of architecture throughout his life. Creativity and innovation were foundational to his successful career in Corpus Christi and the surrounding area. His body of architectural work encompasses urban design, residential, commercial, and historic preservation projects. He was involved in numerous projects for the Archdiocese of Corpus Christi. Throughout his career, he fought to preserve and renovate structures of historical significance. Notable among his body of work included Harrison’s Landing, North Beach Renovation and Arch Entry, Corpus Christi Cathedral renovation, Staples Street Transfer Station (received the prestigious National Endowment of the Arts’ Presidential Award under the Clinton Administration), and the renovation of the House Schoenstatt Retreat Center in Lamar, TX.

John was a founding member of the Executive Surf Club, a group of local businessmen bonded by surfing together before and after work. He was a civic-minded citizen of Corpus Christi and served accordingly. His service included the Texas Historical Commission State Board of Review, Corpus Christi Art Commission, Nueces County Historical Society & Commission, Heart of Corpus Christi Executive Committee (as chairman), Corpus Christi Cathedral School Board, Women’s Shelter Center, Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Bayfront committee and the West Side Business Association.

John was an active member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and St. Helena Catholic Church in Corpus Christi. He was a devoted Christian and loved his Catholic faith. He was dedicated to helping those in need and had a passion for volunteer work. John was a Board Chairman for Timmons Ministry. He led the effort to renovate the Timmons Ministry facility.

Funeral Mass will be 11:00 AM on Friday, November 21, 2025, at St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Corpus Christi (2233 Waldron Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78418). A rosary service will precede the Mass at 10:30 AM. There will be a reception in the parish hall immediately following the service. Graveside service will be held at Memory Gardens Funeral Home at 3:00 PM (8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78415). Donations can be made to Timon’s Ministries at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-make-a-difference-10205 or CASA of the Coastal Bend at https://coastalbendcasa.org/donate/ .