Robert J Wilder

Bob Wilder

July 31, 1937 — March 16, 2026

Beloved son, brother, husband, father, friend, and child of God, Bob (Robert) Joseph Wilder left this

earth on March 16 to join his wife and parents in our heavenly home.

Robert Joseph Wilder was born on July 31, 1937, in Andalusia, Alabama, to Helen (Higgins) and A.C.

Wilder. As the second of four children, Bob was taught how to behave properly—and not wander

off—by his older sister, Margaret. His younger brothers, Jim and Jack, completed a lively trio, playing

baseball with neighborhood kids and delivering early morning newspapers. Over the years, Bob’s

family moved throughout Alabama, living in Andalusia, Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Montgomery, and

eventually returning to Tuscaloosa.

Bob’s fascination with aviation began in childhood, fueled in part by his work at a toy and model shop.

In high school metal shop, he built a model airplane gas engine entirely from scratch. Using a lathe

and other equipment, he crafted each individual part, assembled the engine, and successfully used it

to power a small model airplane. Bob was always looking for ways to refine a process—to build a

better mousetrap.

After high school, Bob moved to Wichita, Kansas, where he began working for Boeing Aircraft. One

evening at a local soda shop, he met the woman who would soon become his wife. Bob and Mary

Ann Nunemaker quickly fell deeply in love. He proposed, and on December 28, 1957, they were

married at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Wichita.

Life on Vine Street in Wichita was full and happy. Applying his efficiency mindset at home, Bob played

an integral role as he and Mary Ann welcomed four children in less than five years: Tony (January

1959), Scott (May 1960), Bill (July 1961), and Dan (April 1963).

In the summer of 1963, the family moved to Texas, where Bob joined the aviation company LTV. From

their home on Boston Street in Irving, they built a life rooted in faith and community, attending St.

Luke Catholic Church and enrolling their sons in the parish school.

At home, Bob transformed a small room into his workshop—filled with lathes, drills, electric saws, and

the familiar scent of WD-40. What began as a hobby soon grew into a successful side business,

designing and crafting high-quality parts for model airplane enthusiasts around the world. Bob served

as chief engineer, while Mary Ann managed the administrative side of Wilder Model Machine Works.

Later, Bob joined American Airlines, working as a technician in their 24-hour flight simulator

operations. Family and friends occasionally had the unique opportunity to sit in the simulator and

attempt takeoffs and landings of a Boeing 747.

In November 1976, Bob and Mary Ann welcomed their fifth son, Steve, into the family—bringing new

life and joy to a household already full of teenage boys.

In 1982, Bob and Mary Ann became grandparents with the birth of their first grandchild, Jimmy, born

to Tony and his wife, Mary. Jimmy was the first of 16 grandchildren (eight boys and eight girls), all of

whom Bob loved dearly and spoke of often with great pride. Their growing family also includes 16

great-grandchildren: Kyla, Scarlet, Jack, Leo, Carter, Violet, Katherine, Grant, Connor, Maggie, David,

Milo, Cory, Wes, Olivia, and Ruby.

Bob and Mary Ann later moved to Colleyville, Texas, where they became active members of Good

Shepherd Catholic Church and deeply involved in parish life. Their joyful life together continued for

many years, including throughout Bob’s retirement.

They were blessed with many close friends who supported them throughout their lives, especially

their dear friend, Colleen Matteson.

In the summer of 2023, Bob and Mary Ann, along with their beloved cat RJ, moved to HarborChase

senior living in Southlake. Tragically, Mary Ann passed away that October, after 65 years of marriage.

With the support of family, friends, and the HarborChase community, Bob continued to live a full and

happy life. He enjoyed community gatherings, music, dominoes, and reminiscing with friends. He

occasionally attended Texas Rangers games, admired Christmas lights, and shared meals at Babe’s

Chicken. At home, he spent quiet time working on model trains and keeping up with the latest

developments in model building.

In 2024, Bob’s contributions to the model aviation world were formally recognized with his induction

into the National Free Flight Society Hall of Fame in Muncie, Indiana. His lifelong passion extended

beyond airplanes to include helicopters, drones, race boats, and cars.

Bob is survived by his five sons and daughters-in-law, 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, his

beloved sister, and his two younger brothers. While we mourn his loss, we celebrate and carry

forward the legacy of a kind, selfless, devoted, and faithful man who shared the love and gifts of our

Lord with all he encountered.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities Fort Worth

(catholiccharitiesfortworth.org) or the National Humane Society (nationalhumanesociety.org).

A visitation and rosary will be held on Friday, March 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Lucas Funeral Home

in Keller (1601 South Main Street, Keller, TX 76248).

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 28, at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in

Colleyville (1000 Tinker Road, Colleyville, TX 76034).

Following the Mass, a reception and celebration of life will be held at Feedstore BBQ in Southlake

(530 South White Chapel Blvd., Southlake, TX 76092).