Charles Bruce Wilder

Funeral services for Charles Bruce Wilder, 90, of Tyler, are scheduled for 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, June 24, 2015, at Lloyd James Funeral Home. Burial will be in Cathedral in the Pines under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home.

Mr. Wilder passed away on Friday, June 19, 2015, in Tyler.

He was born on August 30, 1924, in Sherman to the late Jefferson Davis and Minnie Jones Wright Wilder. He graduated from Denison High School. He attended Austin College and Penn State and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology from the University of Houston in 1950. Immediately following graduation he began his career with Citi Service Oil Company where he was employed for 10 years. In 1960 he went independent and was the founder of Wildco Resources.

During his military career in the U. S. Army Air Corps, he served as a military police, radio operator and mech gunner 757. He received the American Theater Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal. He was a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists for 55 years, Division of Professional Affairs and as one of the 500 longest tenured DPA members. He also held memberships in the East Texas Geological Society and the American Legion.

He is survived by his daughter, Connie Sellars and husband Mike, of Baytown; son, Steve Wilder and wife Jeri, of Tyler; grandchildren, Sjon Sellars, of Baytown, Denise Sellars Hurst and husband Michael, of Pearland and Avery Wilder, of Tyler; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Sellars, Sjon Michael Sellars, Connor Sellars, Gage Hurst, Drake Hurst, Savie Hurst and Shelby Hurst; sister, Nadine Zaruba; sister-in-law, Ned Wilder; a host of nieces and nephews; best friends for 60 years, Ben and Mary Jarvis and Dean Chapman; and beloved caretaker, Ashley Medlock.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Doris Ann Wilder; and 8 brothers and sisters.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Beaird, Pat July of Elect Home Health Care, Dayna Fields and Clarine Cooper for their special care of Mr. Wilder during his illness.

If desired, memorials may be made to The Salvation Army, 633 N. Broadway, Tyler 75702; or East Texas SPCA, 3405 N Northeast Loop 323, Tyler 75708.

The family will receive friends from 5 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at the funeral home.