Cloudy, 67° F
(May 6, 2003)
Long-time Powell resident Howard Thomas Wilder died Tuesday, May 6 at his winter home in Yuma, Ariz. He was 86.
He was born Oct. 7, 1916, in Powell to Thomas A. and Maude M. Wilder. He was raised in Powell and attended local schools, graduating from Powell High School in 1934.
He married Wanda Waltman June 16, 1940. He worked on the family farm until 1962, with short stints during World War II at the shipyards in Bremerton, Wash., and helping to build the Heart Mountain Relocation Camp between Powell and Cody.
In 1962, the family moved to Ralston where he operated Ralston Auto Parts. In 1967, the family moved into Powell where he worked at the Powell Hospital until his retirement.
Mr. Wilder always loved the land and was a farmer and gardener all his life. He was devoted to his wife and cared for her until her death in 1993. He also mixed in some tinkering and woodworking, accomplishing projects for most of his family.
He was a Noble Grand of the Powell IOOF Lodge and a lifetime member of the Union Presbyterian Church in Powell.
Survivors include his children, Doris Schofield of Oxnard, Calif., Dawn Askew of Pierre, S.D., Gary Wilder of Mesa, Ariz., and Lee Wilder of Yuma; his brother, Dick Wilder of Cody; eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 22 nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will take place in Powell at a later date.
