David Riggs Wildman's Obituary
David Riggs Wildman, 70, entered his eternal rest peacefully in his sleep of natural causes on August 11, 2025. He was born on July 20, 1955, to Peggy Riggs and Eldon Wildman in Dallas, Texas. In 1984, he married the love of his life, Donna Wetzel Wildman, beginning a 41-year journey filled with devotion, partnership, and joy.
David graduated from Highland Park High School in 1973, where he excelled in athletics. He went on to attend both the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas on track scholarships, building friendships that lasted a lifetime.
David was a man of many talents, but his greatest gift was his selfless care for others and his ability to form genuine, lasting relationships. He valued people above all else, making each person he met feel seen and appreciated.
After college, he served as a travel aide to Congressman Bob Krueger during the 1978 Senate race. He later worked as business manager for a quarter horse ranch in Sisterdale, Texas, before returning to Dallas, where his career included roles at Texas Federal Savings, in the car business alongside his father and brother, and at Sewell Motor Company.
In 1990, David and Donna opened Wildman Art Framing, later expanding into furnishings and lighting through Pettigrew Luxury Furnishings. Following in his mother’s footsteps, he developed a love for real estate and bought and sold properties over the years.
David’s greatest joy was his family. He loved his children—Taylor, Todd, and Leah—and poured his heart into their lives. He coached basketball, football, and track teams at St. Rita Catholic School, and he rarely missed their high school or college sporting events, always cheering with enthusiasm and pride.
A man of deep faith and a true servant’s heart, David gave generously of his time, talents, and resources. He faithfully served his community, whether delivering bread to Now-Forward on the first Thursday of every month, lending a listening ear, or ending every conversation with his trademark question: “What can I do for you?”—and meaning it.
He enjoyed fishing, savoring Mexican food with a frozen margarita, listening to Keb’ Mo’, Bonnie Raitt, and Bruce Hornsby, and playing with his five cherished grandchildren. Above all, he delighted in keeping in touch with friends—both lifelong and newly met. Like his group of friends, David’s list of nicknames was long and diverse - Wiley, Z, Dr. J, Buck, Wild Thighs, Wild Thang, 54, Ozzy, Country Comfort, Wake Man, Coach Wildman, Zelmo and his favorite, ZPop.
David is survived by his beloved wife, Donna; his three children, Taylor (Katie) and their children Mackenzie, Riggs, and Wade; Todd (Corey) and their children Keller and Blake; and Leah; his brother Phillip Wildman (Terry); sisters Kelly Martin (Ed) and Suzy Hokanson (Laans); many loving in-laws and “outlaws”; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
David’s life was a living testimony of generosity, faith, and love. His legacy will continue to shine through the countless lives he touched.
The memorial service will be held on August 28, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Rita Catholic Church, 12521 Inwood Rd, Dallas, Texas 75244.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Now-Forward (formerly North Dallas Shared Ministries), The Endowment Fund at St. Rita Catholic School, The Fund at Bishop Lynch High School, or The Jesuit Honor Memorial Scholarship Fund at Jesuit Preparatory School of Dallas.
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