Maynard Gene Wright

Maynard Gene Wright was born in Aurora, New York on December 12, 1940. After graduating from High School in Syracuse, New York in 1958, Gene started his long career with the United States Government by enlisting in the Marine Corp Reserves where he was assigned to the 2nd Tank Battalion in upstate New York. Gene served his two-year enlistment from 1958 to 1960, being honorably discharged from the Marine Corp. He then re-enlisted into the United States Air Force on August 13, 1960, spending a long and amazing career with the Air Force that would span more than twenty years. During this time, Mr. Wright attended the Air Forces Office of Investigations School graduating with top-secret clearance as a Special Agent on March 24, 1968. During his stint with OSI, Gene was shot down while a passenger in a helicopter over Vietnam. He was awarded several citations during his time in Vietnam. Some of which included the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. After retiring from the Air Force as Tech Sergeant on February 2, 1980, Gene went to work for the Wyoming Highway Patrol, until he entered the Federal Service on March 15, 1989. Mr. Wright proudly joined the United States Customs Service working at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, New York. After two years as an Inspector, he attended Senior Inspector School on February 6, 1991, transferring to the Port of Fort Wayne, Indiana where he spent the last years of his career, retiring from the service in 2002. After retiring, he worked frequently with local and state police and drug enforcement organizations. Maynard Gene Wright passed away at 9:30 pm at home, on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the age of 83. His wife, Judith, and daughter, Kelly, were by his side. Gene was an avid bowler, golfer, expert marksman, and enjoyed gardening. He also had exceptional knowledge of trivia and a keen sense of humor. He loved his country and served faithfully all of his life. Survivors include wife, Judith (Osborne) Lehman-Wright; daughter, Kelleen "Kelly" Wright Miller; son, Morgan G. Wright of Phoenix, Arizona; stepson, Andrew Jon Lehman of Toledo, Ohio; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at United Faith Presbyterian Church, 1616 West Main Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46808 with visitation one hour prior.