Earsley Cranford Wilder Jr.

A devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, neighbor, and friend. E.C. was born November 1, 1945 in downtown DeRidder, LA in the morning hours following Halloween night in the courthouse basement. A great story to start a storied life.

He would spend his school years in Lake Charles. As a teenager, he met his future wife Willa Mae Abshire. He ultimately graduated from LaGrange High School in 1963.

Then in 1965, what would become a 60-year marriage, started when he and Willa Mae shared vows.

His entire work life was spent as a Southwest Louisiana carpenter. He built things. His hands and his expertise helped, in no small part, to build some of the defining structures of this area. These include the Lake Charles Civic Center, the Magnolia Life Building, and the Calcasieu River Bridge. Countless homes from the lakefront to beyond the city limits of Lake Charles were either constructed or restored through his labor and guidance.

In 1973, with the help of many friends and family, he was able to build a beautiful rural house in LeBleu Settlement that for years his family would call home. Next to this home he also built a tall gabled workshop that dominated the surrounding wooded area. The light from this structure served as a beacon to neighbors and friends, and he was visited often. His advice was sought by those that knew him well, and sometimes, by those that simply knew of him. He always seemed available. He listened well. And he thought before he spoke. Those around him paid attention when he did. Smoke rings rising above his pipe while he pondered, were a GOOD indication that you were about to get GOOD advice.

He was a giving soul, and his always present kindness and love for others will live on in those that loved and respected

He was preceded in death by his father, Earsley Cranford Wilder Sr., and his mother, Helen Virginia Trawick.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sons, Dr. Brian Wilder and wife, Vikki, of Jennings, Louisiana, and Dr. Errol Paul Wilder of Lake Charles, Louisiana; and his daughter, Kristi Monique Wilder of Lake Charles.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brian Quintin Wilder; Katelin Rose Wixson and husband, Mason; Madalin Nicole Freeland and husband, Hayden; Morgan Mae Picard and husband, Jeremy; Sydney Lynn Wilder; Taylor Kay Wilder; Jordin Kae Quinn and fiancé, Samuel Chandler; and Jack West Quinn.

He leaves behind his great-grandchildren, Wilder Thomas Freeland, Jackson David Picard, Eloise Kate Freeland, and Tommi Ann Wixson.

A graveside service officiated by Willis Abshire will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Highland Memory Gardens.