H.D. Wright of Pauls Valley died on April 24, 2023 at the age of 90. He was born on September 15, 1932 in Ravia, Okla., to Elbert and Violet Wright.

He graduated from Ravia School in 1950. H.D. served in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954. During that time, he trained in general electronics, bombardment radar, gun radar, and navigation radar. He was stationed in Okinawa working on advanced radio technology.

Upon discharge he attended Lamar Community College and the University of Texas. H.D. was employed by Martin Marietta Corporation, ultimately working with Titan II rockets in Tucson, Ariz. In 1962 he moved to Rapid City, S.D., and graduated from Black Hills State University in 1968.

He taught high school and coached at Sturgis Brown High School in Sturgis, S.D., then later moved back to Oklahoma where he taught history at Ardmore High School. Following his years in education, H.D. worked as an independent insurance contractor, in oil field construction, in auto sales, as a welder, and with Falconhead Development Corporation.

H.D. is survived by his wife Mona; his children Debbie Sudrala, Jana Darnall, and John Wright; his stepchildren Jeri Reynolds, Tony Jackson, and Bradley Crouch; sisters Mildred Futch, Corrine Brooks, and a brother Charles Wright; as well as grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a multitude of friends.

He is predeceased by his parents and stepdaughter Darla Crouch-Reynolds.

H.D. is a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Pauls Valley and is devoted to his Sunday School friends. He enjoyed studying and learning throughout his life.

He was a problem solver and over the years took on many tasks around the house and in the garage. Mona enjoyed the meals and treats that came from his efforts and achievements in the kitchen.

As his eyesight failed in his later years, he challenged himself to tackle some artistic endeavors as well as hunting and fishing adventures. He will be missed by family, friends, and his Sunday School buddies.

There will be a private family gathering at a later date. Services for cremation were under the direction of Stufflebean-Coffey Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Baptist Church, 108 Loftin Ln., Pauls Valley, OK 73075.