Richard Edward Wilder passed away on April 26, 2022 after a brief bout with pneumonia. Richard was born in Brownwood, Texas on July 8, 1932. Richard graduated from Brownwood High School in 1950 and then East Texas State University in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon graduation, Richard served as a Captain in the US Air Force. After his honorable discharge, he went to work for Lone Star Producing Company as a Petroleum Land Agent where he met and fell in love with Cynthia Ann Holder. They married on June 4, 1959 and were married for 60 years until Cynthia’s untimely death on December 23, 2019.
Richard was born during the depression era. He learned the value of a strong work ethic, as he worked at the Palace Drug Store from the time he was 9 years old until he graduated from high school. He worked for pennies per hour but managed to save enough money to pay his way through college. That grit was permanently engrained in his character and was a trait he would use throughout his life to get through life’s challenges.
Richard had a tough exterior but a great love for animals. Growing up, he was always around animals, whether he was bringing home stray dogs or raising chickens in his high school FFA. After he retired, he and Cynthia had several miniature horses. He especially had a soft spot for dogs. Most recently, he shared his home with Teddy and Freddie, his devoted companions. They provided a lot of company for him after Cynthia’s death and were a source of great joy for him in his last days.
Richard was fiercely devoted to his family. He would do anything for them. In 1988, his daughter, Lisa, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. It was a very acute form of the disease and attacked her central nervous system quickly. Lisa was soon disabled and required full time care. Richard and Cynthia cared for Lisa in their home until they were physically unable to. At that time, Lisa was placed in a nursing home. Richard rarely missed a day to go visit her, feed her and spend time with her until she passed away on October 19, 2019.
The greatest source of joy for Richard was his grandchildren. He was so proud of their achievements, but he was most proud of the quality young adults they grew up to be. He bonded with Camryn over his time in FFA and their experiences raising chickens. He loved to watch Collin play the game of football, and always looked forward to the times Collin was able to come home and share stories. And he was so proud of Carson and Danielle starting their new life together in Dallas and bringing forth his first great grandchild, Madden, who he loved dearly.
Richard is a believer in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a member of Katy’s First United Methodist Church and attended the Eagle’s Wings Sunday School class. That class served as a great community for Richard and was a tremendous source of love and encouragement for his family during his last days as he struggled with pneumonia. His family is comforted by the belief that Richard is walking with our Savior now and has been greeted by so many family members who have gone on before him.
Richard is survived by his son, Craig Wilder and his wife Catherine; grandson, Carson Wilder and his wife Danielle; grandson, Collin Wilder; granddaughter, Camryn Wilder; and great grandson, Madden Wilder. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cynthia Wilder; and his daughter, Lisa Wilder.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Katy First United Methodist Church with Dr. Richard L. White officiating.
Funeral services held under the direction of
Schmidt Funeral Home
1508 East Avenue ~ Katy, Texas 77493 ~ (281) 391-2424