Grandpa Dick

Richard Heber "Dick" Wilde, 89, of St. George passed away on May 2, 2010 at the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home in Ogden, Utah. He was born in Coalville, Utah, February 17, 1921, to Willard Heber and Ella Spackman Hall Wilde.

He graduated from North Summit High School in 1939, and was selected to that year's All-State Basketball team. He remained active in sports throughout his life, including basketball, baseball, golfing, and hunting and fishing. He was an avid fan of Jazz basketball and BYU/UU sports.

His life was filled with close friends and cherished associates. He married Betty Rollins at Salt Lake City on June 27, 1941. They were later divorced. He married Wilda Walker Birch in Reno, Nevada on November 16, 1972.

He served in the 96th Army Infantry Division in World War II, and went ashore in Okinawa with the initial landing force on April 1, 1945. He was awarded a Purple Heart, was advanced to the rank of Staff Sergeant, and received an honorable discharge. Service to his country was a defining theme throughout his life.

Following the war, he worked for the Ideal Cement Company at Devil's Slide, Utah for 32 years. He is survived by two sons, Glenn (Anne) Wilde, of St. George; Douglas (Robin) Wilde of Coalville, six grandchildren, 18 great-grand children, and one sister, Judith (Sheldon) Crittenden. He is preceded in death by both his wife Wilda; his former wife Betty, his parents; and two sisters, Virginia Pace and Josephine Knowlton.

The family thanks the staff at George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home; St. George Care and Rehabilitation and Bristol Hospice for the sensitive and humane end of life care given Richard. The family also thanks the Coalville American Legion Post 93. Family and friends are invited to a viewing to be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 6, 2010 at the Stake Center in Coalville Utah. A graveside service for Richard will be held at the Coalville Cemetery on Friday, May 7, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Goff Mortuary.