Mervin McCleery Wright

October 10, 1929 - March 30, 2025

Perhaps our favorite consoling note after Dad passed away Sunday night was simply “Together Again.” Dad joined Mom in heaven on March 30, 2025. Dad was 95 and he reminded us only 1 in 10,000 people make it to 95. We think he was One In a Million.

Mom passed in the Fall of 2023, marking the final chapter of their 72 years of marriage, with the last 30 years in their home in Yorba Linda, California. Dad stayed in their home, with help from his family, his neighbors, his church and his friends. We were especially grateful to our extended family member, Lesa Nelson, who helped carry many of those months along with us.

Seven months ago Dad moved to North Carolina to be full time with his daughter Joretta and son-in-law Dave in North Carolina. We were so grateful his health allowed him to be with family until his final day.

We can’t count the number of times we heard Dad say “I’m so rich.” His financial administrator in the last years of his life would argue that point. When you look back by his definition there was not a wealthier man. Dad’s wealth was defined by the people he loved and the people that loved him.

Can one phrase or thought define a man? No, but if we just say “hand shake” his friends and family would know what we mean. A hand shake from Mac was firm, friendly and meaningful. When you shook hands with Dad, he was there for you. He was a servant of God and a servant to his friends and family.

That hand shake built churches, both buildings and people. That hand shake started long meaningful friendships. That hand shake impacted strangers. That hand shake built teams to go to Guatemala to build missions. That hand shake was omnipresent until his last days.

Dad was born at home in rural Illinois in 1929. He was the second of eight children. The depression era left a meaningful legacy of frugality and an appreciation of everything.

He was salutatorian of his graduating class and we teased him because that was third from the bottom of the total class size of four.

He was on the track team and ran the mile.

He was in the pulpit as the head minister at the age of 16 and that is not a typo. He remained a minister beyond his retirement at age 71…think about that hand shake again.

Dad and Mom married at age 21. A full time minister in Indiana and his first child at 23, he nonetheless finished his degree at Cincinnati Bible Seminary.

Dad learned to fly and got his private pilot’s license. He taught himself piano after starting first on guitar as a young boy. Played piano on and published 2 albums with his brother Bill (singer). Dad loved cars, especially Studebakers. Dad loved golf. Dad loved track and field events. At one point he started a running club. Dad loved science. He was particularly fond of astronomy and trying to fathom the immensity of the universe. Dad loved to read and when he got particularly excited about a book he’d buy multiple copies and give them to his friends. “You have to read this.” Dad had a work ethic like few others. Physically building churches helped him learn building skills. All of his children benefitted from his help in their homes.

Dad continued to read and study the Bible in his later years. As unbelievable as it sounds he sat at the keyboard of his computer and more than one time typed the entire Bible out word for word. He no longer could type very fast and he said it allowed him to think about it more. He said his new definition of God was Love. The last time he typed the Bible, he would put in the word Love instead of the word God.

We could do the same and replace “Dad” with the word “Love.”

Dad is survived by his two remaining siblings Margaret Ann and Grace, Three children Mark (Steve), Joretta and David. Their families brought Dad 8 grandchildren (Josh, Philippe, Nicky, Sarah, Jesse, Jonathan, Leslie and Michael), and 13 great grandchildren (Daniel, Brooklyn, Winifred (Winnie), Margaret (Maggie), Leah, Isaac, Jake, Mercy, David, Peter, Valentina, Levi, and Thomas).

A celebration of Dad’s life is planned in California at he and Mom’s home church (Eastside Christian Church, Anaheim CA), for June 20th, 11 am. All are welcomed.

Dad and Mom were connected to the many mission efforts at Eastside. They had a special place in their hearts for their “adopted” son - “Stephen,” whom they supported with gifts and encouragement for over 15+ years. When Christmas gifts needed to be sent mid-year to reach him, no one better than Mom and Dad to “get things ready.” In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to Missions of Hope International.

We miss you Dad. Say hi to Mom.

With Love….Mark, Joretta and David.