Earl Wilder's Obituary
WILDER, EARL, 88, went to be with the Lord on Sunday (1/12/14). He was born in Bean Station, Tennessee on 9/12/1925 to Bill and Muzetta Trent Wilder. He was preceded by his first wife Joyce, his second wife Virginia, his daughter Debbie Wilder and granddaughter Jaimie French. He is survived by his daughter – Dianne French, his son – Don Wilder, grandsons – Steve French and Mike French, granddaughters Jenifer Kline and Allison Wilder, great grandson – Will French and great granddaughters – Kate French and Zoé Kline. Earl enlisted in the Air Force in 1943 and served as a B-52 navigator. He was on the “Ruptured Duck” B-36 plane that flew over the Eniwetok Atoll simulating the dropping of the first hydrogen bomb as it was detonated below. He retired with the rank of Lt Colonel after 22 years of service. He then worked for Texas Instruments retiring in 1987. Earl was loved by his family as described in these one word descriptions contributed by his children and grandchildren – Gentle, Heroic, Trusting, Compassionate, Appreciative, Courageous, Thankful and Softhearted. A memorial service will be held for Earl at Restland Wildwood Chapel, 13005 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, January 16. Visitation will immediately precede the funeral at 2:00 pm also at Wildwood Chapel.
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