Milton Turner Wright Jr.

Former Texas Ranger and Retired Sheriff, Milton Wright, age 87 of Richmond Texas passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Richmond, TX.

Milton Wright was born on a tenant farm in Rogers, Texas on July 26, 1938, to Milton and Mary Jarosek Wright. His humble beginning led to a life dedicated to serving his family, community, and church.

Milton’s love of music and instruments led him to forming, playing and performing in many bands through the years from the time of adolescence until the end of his life. He met many people through his bands including the love of his life and wife of 68 years, Marian Fuchs.

After graduating from Rogers High School, he served in the US Navy for three years, attended Temple College for two years, and then joined Texas Department of Public Safety.

Milton’s first post in DPS was Driver’s License in Dallas County. He was assigned as driver and bodyguard of the mayor and congressman in the fifth car of the motorcade at the Kennedy Assignation. While at Parkland hospital he aided in lifting the wounded president and governor onto awaiting gurneys. He then assisted in keeping reporters away from the emergency entrance and later was assigned to guard Governor Connelly’s room.

Milton relocated to Milam County in 1966 as a DPS Highway Patrolman. In 1981 when he was promoted to Texas Ranger, the Wrights moved to Richmond, Texas where Milton was assigned to serve in Fort Bend, Matagorda, and Wharton Counties. During this time, he became a licensed Forensic Hypnotist, Master Peace Officer, and Police Instructor.

Upon his retirement from DPS in 1996, he was elected Sheriff of Fort Bend County. He served four terms as Sheriff, making him the longest-serving Sheriff in Fort Bend history. Milton assembled a team of high-level professional officers who were instrumental in modernizing the Sheriff’s Office and bringing it into the 21st century. He introduced the first computer system in patrol cars, established the first Public Information Office, and created the first Internal Affairs Division, set up the first Personnel Division (which was formally outside of the Sheriff’s Office), the first Polygraph Department, Internal Internet Technology Service, an outside work detail for inmates, first full-time chaplaincy program, the “Are You OK?” program, and a program for aiding mentally ill inmates, and lastly an internal food service for inmates.

While in Cameron, Marian and Milton were entrepreneurs opening and operating the Montgomery Wards Agency and Milam Electrical Services. These were full time jobs outside his full time job in the DPS!

Milton and Marian had a love for people and always found more ways to serve. Living a large life in Cameron, he served in many capacities. He obtained an EMT certification, charter member of the Cameron Volunteer Ambulance Service, Hope Lutheran Church counsel, Board of Directors and President of the Chamber of Commerce.

He joined Masonic San Andres Lodge 72 (50 yrs membership) whereupon he served in several offices, the last being Worshipful Master of the Lodge. In 1984 he joined Morton Lodge, Richmond, TX and served as Worshipful Master of the Lodge where he earned Scottish Rite and Shrine 32nd degree and was presented with the Knight Commander of the Court of Honor.

He became a member of the Lions Club which lasted 50 years, where he organized the establishment of three new clubs and received the prestigious Melvin Jones Medal, the highest honor given to a Lion.

He became a charter member of Hearts & Hammers, which later evolved into a division of Habitat for Humanity. He also served on the Board of Directors for several organizations, including the Fort Bend County Literacy Council, the Women’s Center, and the Heart Association. Additionally, he was a member of the Oak Bend Hospital Advisory Council, the Sugar Land Exchange Club, the Rosenberg Lion's Club, and was a life member of the 100 Club, the NRA, and the Fort Bend County Fair Association.

In recognition of his exceptional service and contributions, Milton received numerous accolades throughout his career. He was honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards from organizations such as the Exchange Club, the VFW, and the American Legion.

In 2013, after a long and distinguished career, Milton Wright retired as Sheriff of Fort Bend County.

Milton is remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for his personal qualities—his kindness, generosity, story- and joke-telling, his hard work, and dedication to his family, to the church and the community.

Milton is survived by his wife, Marian Wright; daughter Melanie Wright Wessels and husband Steve Wessels; daughter Monica Wright; grandson Micah Wessels and wife Jennifer Wessels; granddaughter Anna Marie Wessels Bush and her husband Bradley Bush; one great granddaughter, Amalia Wessels and one grandbaby on the way. He is predeceased by his father Milton T. Wright, Sr. and mother Mary Wright; brother Jerry Wright; and grandson Daniel Wessels.

Memorial Service for the public will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Building C, located at 4310 TX-36 S, Rosenberg, TX 77471. The family will begin welcoming guests at 1:00 PM.

An additional service for church members and family will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 6:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1208 5th St, Rosenberg, TX 77471. The family will begin welcoming guests at 5:30 PM.

Graveside Service will be March 31,2026 at 11:00 AM at Hope Lutheran Memorial Park Cemetery, in Buckholts, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Arc of Fort Bend County (https://arcoffortbend.org/donate/) or to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1208 5th St, Rosenberg, TX 77471.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to E.P. Compean Funeral Directors, 1223 Sixth Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471. "Our Family Serving Yours"

View All Photos

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.