Worth Sylvester Wren Jr. died from complications related to bile duct cancer on Nov. 9, 2022, at the Heart to Heart Hospice facility in Fort Worth.
Worth was born to Worth Sr. and Johnnie M. Wren on Dec. 31, 1947 in Lampasas, where he grew up, thrived on socialization, developed many lifelong friendships, expanded his thirst for knowledge, and cared for his younger siblings while surrounded by a large extended family.
Worth’s interest in journalism began at a young age, on his first paper route as a child. His passion for journalism took him to several college campuses as he continued his education after graduating from Lampasas High School. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of North Texas in Denton, then he earned his master’s degree in mass communications from Texas Tech University in Lubbock. There, he met Nelda Kay Harvey, whom he married on Sept. 12, 1981.
During his career, Worth worked for several newspapers, including the Killeen Daily Herald and Lubbock’s Avalanche Journal. He said in recent years the Lake Livingston Progress and Polk County Enterprise were the most fun, while the Fort Worth Star-Telegram was his greatest challenge – including his many years covering the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo (often with his children in tow), through his signature publication “The Farm and Ranch Awards.”
In his semi-retired years, he spent much of his time substitute teaching in Fort Worth high schools, freelancing journalistic pieces, tutoring ESL students and volunteering in Fort Worth.
Worth enjoyed many years as videographer for piano recitals and listening to his children play piano in their home in Saginaw. His greatest joys involved spending time with family and friends, playing 42 and Scrabble, reading, snapping photos, “managing” his fantasy baseball team, voicing opinions and consuming anything containing chocolate.
In his final months of a long battle with cancer, he came to understand and believe his position as a child of God.
Worth was preceded in death by his wife, Nelda, and by a brother, James Wren.
He is survived by his son, E. Clinton Wren, daughter-inlaw, Christina, and grandsons Nolan and Paxton of Midland; daughter, Johnnie J. Wren-McNeillie, son-in-law, Jason, and expecting granddaughter, Nellie, of Plattsburgh, New York; sister, Ann Harmon of Copperas Cove; brother, Carl Wren and wife Kim of Salado; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
Visitation will be Nov. 18 at The Hills Church in North Richland Hills at 1 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 2 p.m.
Interment is Nov. 19 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lampasas at 11 a.m. Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel has charge of arrangements.
Donations may be made to The Hills Church, www.thehills. org, or Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation at https://www. htohhfoundation.org/donation/.
