He was born on February 2, 1940 to Herbert and Arizona (Wooten) Wilder in the “Cadillac” of coal mining towns in its heyday, Lynch, Kentucky the third of the “Tri-Cities” in Harlan County.
He graduated from Lynch High School in 1958, as a member of the varsity Basketball team having his essay “I Am A Trophy” published in Young America Speaks’ National Essay Association Book.
Pat went on to serve in the United States Navy until his honorable discharge in 1962 with the Commandant FIFTH Naval District aboard the USS Vogelgesang (DD 862) as a Radioman “A: Scol and ABC Warfare Scol.
He worked and retired from Sunoco after 31 years of service as a Maintenance Technician.
Pat was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Wallace G. Wilkinson of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
His love of sports and achievement was shared with many through his dedication of coaching in Youth Sports Leagues which included Baseball, Basketball and Football. He inspired all who he had coached with his competitiveness, commitment, and a “never quit” attitude.
Once introduced to the game of golf it quickly sparked a lifetime passion where he developed many friendships. Pat was fondly referred to as “Patty” around the course by his fellow golf buddies. He was able to experience his ultimate dream by playing at St. Andrews Links in Scotland commonly known as the “Home of Golf”.
Since a young man he has remained a loyal and dedicated fan to the Big Blue Nation – The University of Kentucky, in particular Kentucky’s Basketball team. He enjoyed watching the players and was an enthusiastic participant in March Madness.
His hobby later in life became researching and compiling the family trees of his parents which he proudly shared with all of his family.
His greatest joy came as a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was dedicated to his children and grandchildren by being the steady rock of strength through his wisdom, guidance, love, support and “never give up or quit” philosophy.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Arizona Wilder and sister, Mary Virginia Dorsey.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Frances Ruth Wilder.
He is survived by his brothers, Eugene Lindberg Wilder, Lynch, Kentucky; Roy Earnest Wilder, Corbin, Kentucky; and Ralph Benjamin Wilder, Tallahassee, Florida.
He is survived by his children, Frances Louise Smith, Pasadena Maryland; Walter Harry White, Westminster, Maryland, Patricia Lee Owens, Manassas Park, VA; Michael Timothy Wilder, Windsor, VA, 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Viewing will be held, Friday, March 9, 2018 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Baker Heights Baptist Church, Martinsburg, West Virginia.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 11:00 AM followed by a light lunch reception at the church.
The burial with Military Honors will be at Quantico National Cemetery on Monday, March 12, 2018 at noon.
In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in the name of Patrick Wilder to The Baker Heights Baptist Church.
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