1947 – 2023
Dr. Thomas Lowell Wilder passed away on March 10, 2023. He was born on April 16, 1947, in San Antonio, Texas to the late Dr. Lowell Wilder and Dorothy Lancaster Wilder.
Tom lived a life full of laughter and love for his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Erin Wilder; his sisters, Cindy Foley and husband Garner Foley and Connie Whitman and husband Dr. M.C. Whitman; his aunts, Hettie Lancaster and Jeanne Grote and cousin, Lisa Gary (Bret); his children, Dr. James Lowell Wilder (Marta), Heather McClure (Ian), Jeremy Wilder (Jill), John Wilder (Tina), Hillary Wilder, Cody Hammond (Ashley) and Caleb Hammond; and grandchildren, Mary Wilder, Hank Wilder, Sam Wilder, James Wilder, Jeremy Wilder, Jack Wilder, Jaxson Wilder, Jarrett Wilder, Leia Hammond and Kaiya Hammond, as well as many nieces and nephews, and Erin’s extended family that he claimed immediately as his own.
Tom graduated from Falfurrias High School in 1965, attended Schreiner University (formerly Schreiner Institute) and attended his beloved University of Texas and graduated from Texas A&M Kingsville (formerly Texas A&I University). After graduation, Tom knew he wanted to attend medical school in Texas and chose the University of Texas Medical School in San Antonio, as the first graduating class. Tom’s father was a physician with a family practice in Falfurrias, so it was not surprising that he became a doctor.
After completing eight years as a Medical Officer in the Navy, he pursued his goal and started Corpus Christi Women’s Clinic with Dr. Douglas Matey. It was his great joy to deliver thousands of babies within the Coastal Bend. Each patient allowed him to be a part of their lives and stories, which was not only impactful for his patients, but also for him. Every patient left with receiving the best hugs and a kiss on the forehead.
Tom retired in December of 2020, which allowed him to hang out at the lake and enjoy time with his three cherished goldendoodles, Beau, Bella and Leo. Tom was an avid reader, loved to bake and cook and was passionate about politics and Longhorn football. He was an introvert at heart, though no one would guess because he received great pleasure in interacting with a wide array of people.
Tom had a wonderful childhood in Falfurrias and enjoyed sharing stories of his experiences as a young boy through his life. He could sit for hours with his college roommate and friend for life, Ross Harris. Heaven has two of the best friends laughing together again.
When Tom married Erin, their lives together were full of love and excitement that they enjoyed with Cody and Caleb. The addition of Ashley to the family and then Leia and Kaiya, made Tom smile and his eyes sparkle as he listened to them talk about Lolly and Pop. Tom’s life was a life full of stories consisting of experiences with family and friends that brought him and others great joy. He will be remembered fondly through these memories.
We will celebrate Tom’s life on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Church Unlimited – Rodd Field Campus at 3402 Rodd Field Road in Corpus Christi, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom’s memory can be made to a charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemoryGardensFuneralHome.com for the Wilder family.
