Haskell William Wright, Jr., 83, of Midland, (formerly Big Spring), TX, went home to be with his Savior on Friday, February 13, 2026. He died from natural causes. He was raised in the Baptist Church. A “Celebration of Life” memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 23, 2026 at Spring Creek Fellowship, 1801 E. Marcy Drive, Big Spring, TX. Lloyd Wells, SCF Sr. Pastor will officiate. His final resting place will be on a family ranch in east Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to any animal shelter or a favorite charity.
Haskell was born on February 19, 1942, in Big Spring, TX. He grew up in Big Spring and graduated from Big Spring High School, with the class of 1960. Between the ages of 14 to 24 he rode bulls and broncs in junior and amateur rodeos. Upon graduation from high school, he served four years in the U.S. Marine Corp. After an honorable discharge, he pursued his college education, and completed a BA Degree in theater, a Master’s degree/psychology and a Ph.D./psychology from Texas Tech University, Lubbock TX. During this period of his life, he also traveled abroad to Canada, Central America, and backpacked all over Europe. Haskell performed lead roles in several plays at Tech and dinner theaters in the Lubbock area.
Upon graduation at TTU, he lived in Nashville, TN for a period, to pursue his dream in music and acting. He was a song writer and recorded a DVD singing one of his many original country/western songs, “This Ole Cowboy Aint Settling Down”. He never stayed in one place too long, but he made lasting impressions and lifelong friends wherever he settled for a time. After he left Tennessee, he lived and worked as a marriage/family counselor in the eastern region of Texas. He was also a published author, writing three novels based on his life experiences. He had a passion for playing his guitar, singing and horseback riding. He loved the outdoors and always made it a priority to live on ranches where he could keep his horses.
Haskell is survived by his nieces/nephews, Michael Russell/Linda of Midland, TX; Lori (Fort) Miller/Kerry of Midland; Lisa (Fort) Dunnam/Craig of Big Spring, TX; and Pamela Kay Vela of Converse, TX. His great nieces and nephews: Tim Russell-Wilmington, WA; Kayla (Russell) Callahan-West Plains, MO; Allison (Miller) Creswell/Lance-Greenwood, TX; Drew Miller/Bryana-Midland; Cody Carnes/Kari-Nashville, TN; Will Currie/Jenavee-Austin, TX; Misty Vela and Mandy Vela, both of Converse. Several great-great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Haskell W. Wright; mother, Flora Belle Gill; older sisters, Lynn (Wright) Ballenger and Rita (Wright) Fort; Brother-in-Law John Fort, Jr., nephew, Mark Fort; and great nephew, Mark Fort, Jr.
To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Haskell W. Wright, Jr., Ph.D., please visit our Tribute Store.