Reverend Charles Wilder, 90, of Denton, Texas entered into the presence of his Lord on the afternoon of December 26, 2010 after more than 60 years of faithful service to his Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. An ordained minister, Charles provided pastoral leadership to churches in South Carolina, Kentucky, Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa and Illinois during more than 40 years of active pastoral ministry. His chief joys were studying and sharing God's Word with others and showing people the wonderful Savior they had in Christ Jesus. Charles also served his country during World War II, first as a drill sergeant and then as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army. He was wounded in combat in November, 1944 at the Battle of Metz, France where his unit, the 95th Infantry Division, was distinguished with the sobriquet of "The Iron Men of Metz" by their German opponents. He was honorably discharged by the Army in 1945.
Charles was born to Daniel and Nancy Catherine Wilder on June 28, 1920 in East Pineville, Kentucky. He was married to Doris Dodson in Altoona, PA on February 18, 1945. He was a graduate of Philadelphia Biblical University and Dallas Theological Seminary, ThM, 1963. He was ordained in his home church in Bell County, Kentucky by the local association of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Charles is survived by his wife of 65 years, Doris, of Denton, TX and an older brother, Hugh, 92, of Knoxville, TN. two younger brothers Paul Wilder of Carrolton, GA and James Wilder of Bradenton, FLof He is also survived by three sons, David, John, and Jim. His eldest son Mark preceeded him into the presence of the Lord in 2004. Charles had eight grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Denton Bible Church at 7:00 pm on January 5, 2010. Rev. Al Camp, officiating.Beginning at 5:00 pm, a time of visitation will be made available prior to the memorial service. Burial will be Thursday the 6th in the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Philadelphia Biblical University and Dallas Theological Seminary.