Columbus, OH — Calvin Edward Wright, 76, died March 18, 2025, at the Dayton VA Victory Ridge Hospice, building 350.
He was born June 27, 1948, to Calvin Edward and Elizabeth Ann “Betty” (Norris).
Mr. Wright is survived by his companion of 31 years, Teena Gallops; and a niece, Billie Hawk. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ron Haven; sister, Nannette Haven; and niece, Free Hawk.
He was introduced to harness racing at the early age of 14, by his stepfather, Emmor Baily.
After graduation from Lebanon High School, he worked for two years at GM as a forklift operator, before entering the service in the U.S. Army as a military policeman. He served his duty on Okinawa as a Sergeant in “B” Battery, 2nd Battalion, MSL, 61st Artillery USARPAC and was honorably discharged on Sept. 12, 1969.
After his discharge, he rediscovered his love of harness racing and set out on a career spanning 50 years.
Mr. Wright went skydiving on the same day as winning his first race, and said racing was the bigger thrill.
Some of his better horses were Easter Bun, Hercules Sahbra, Sage Sahbra, North Wind, Ole’ Pete, Park’em Mark, Marty Mark and Khanfessor. Other early notable horses were Daleliner, Big Liz, The Pusher, Royal Ranger, and numerous Ohio Fair winners.