[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 40 (Thursday, March 21, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E407-E408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO THE LATE MAX WRIGHT

                                 ______


                        HON. ANDREW JACOBS, JR.

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 1996

  Mr. JACOBS. Mr. Speaker, as can be seen by the following, Max Wright 
was a superlative human being. He was a minister of the gospel, a labor 
leader, an auctioneer and a delightful musician. The loss of Max Wright 
is a loss to us all.

                   Max Wright Had Worked With AFL-CIO

       Max F. Wright, 80, Beech Grove, a retired labor leader, 
     Church of Christ minister, singer and auctioneer, died March 
     15.

[[Page E408]]

       He was secretary-treasurer of the Indiana State AFL-CIO 
     from 1958 until his retirement in 1985.
       ``The death of Max Wright is a loss for all citizens of 
     Indiana.'' Gov. Evan Bayh said in a statement. ``Max was a 
     pillar of the union movement in our state . . . He was a 
     constant advocate of worker causes for his entire career.''
       Chuck Deppert, president of the Indiana State AFL-CIO, said 
     Mr. Wright dedicated his life to helping others.
       ``He did everything he could to help you with hour 
     problem,'' Deppert said, ``That's the way I'll remember 
     him.''
       A sheet metal worker by trade, Mr. Wright was elected 
     business agent of Sheet Metal Workers Local 7 in Terre Haute 
     in 1943. He served in that capacity until being elected to 
     the state labor position 15 years later.
       After he retired, he was given the title secretary-
     treasurer emeritus, and the AFL-CIO state headquarters's in 
     Indianapolis was named after him.
       As a minister, Mr. Wright preached to Church of Christ 
     congregations throughout Indian. He was a member and elder of 
     Fountain Square Church of Christ, and he was a former elder 
     at Farmersburg Church of Christ. As a gospel music singer, he 
     performed with the Melody Boys Quartet.
       Mr. Wright also was a licensed auctioneer. He was active in 
     the sale of livestock at 4-H exhibitions, including the 
     Sullivan and Vigo county fairs.
       He served on numerous civic and public boards and 
     commissions, including the Indiana Employment Security Board, 
     Indiana Vocational Education Board, Ivy Tech State College 
     board, Goodwill industries, the Blue Cross-Blue Shield of 
     Indiana board and executive committee, the Maryvale Senior 
     Citizens Retirement Home, Indiana Council on Economic 
     Education, Indiana Emergency Training Committee, Governor's 
     Youth Unemployment Committee, Indiana Private Industry 
     Council and Indiana Council on Aging.
       He also was Indiana's delegate to the White House 
     Conference on Aging in 1961, 1971 and 1981.
       Mr. Wright received the City of Hope's ``Spirit of Life'' 
     award in 1974. He was named Sagamore of the Wabash by Govs. 
     Matthew Welsh, Edgar Whitcomb, Otis Bowen, Robert Orr and 
     Bayh.
       Memorial contributions may be made to the Max F. Wright 
     Memorial Education Fund, c/o Citizens Bank of Central 
     Indiana, Greenwood.
       Services: 1 p.m. March 18 in Fountain Square Church of 
     Christ. Calling: 2 to 9 p.m. March 17 in Little & Sons 
     Funeral Home, Stop 11 Road, and from noon to 1 p.m. March 18 
     in the church.
       Survivors: wife Lanore Elwood Wright; children Diane 
     Hauser, Marcia Payne, John M., David J., Lloyd Wright; 
     brother Leo Paul Wright, sister Marietta Riggs Schumann, 15 
     grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren.

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