It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Charles John Wilder, Sr., on October 5, 2021, surrounded by his loving family at the NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro Arkansas. John was a resident of Kennett, Missouri, for over sixty years.

John is survived by his devoted wife, Paula Wilder. He is also survived by five daughters: Leah Wilder of Phoenix, Arizona; Teresa Westbrook (Kent) of Dallas, Texas; Robyn McCulley (Terry) of Sainte Geneviève, Missouri; Jana Sirois (Rocky) of Aiken, South Carolina; and Joni Boone (Larry) of Kennett, Missouri. John is survived by two sons: Charles John Wilder Jr. (Susan) of Dallas, Texas and David Robins of Bloomsdale, Missouri. John has one surviving sister: Gloria Ann Smith of Wentzville, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lea Ann and Charles Wilder, his daughter, Lisa Wilder, and son, Jimmy Robins.

John leaves eighteen adoring grandchildren: Jag Beveridge, Channing Nuyen, and Dakota Beveridge; Misty Juola; Allison Cook, John Wilder III and Adam Wilder; Jessica Laney and Mitchell McCulley; Douglas and Trae Anderson; Katlynne Lightburne; Rachel Sykes; Maci Earnheart, Jordan, Slayton, Sophie and Jack Boone. He leaves seventeen great grandchildren: James Nuyen; Cole Witherington; Abigail, Caroline, and Emma Cook;
Wini Laney; Jayden, Bennett and Laney McCulley; Aubree, Adalynn and Cooper Lightburne; Jayde and Eli Sykes; Gracyn Earnheart; and Kolby and Presley Boone. Finally, he leaves many more family members and friends who will sadly miss him.

John was born on June 28, 1938, in Bernie, Missouri, and was raised in a loving family, spending time outdoors, playing high school basketball and football, and working on cars. He loved the heartland of America because it was rooted in agricultural life and he associated it with hard work, mainstream values and self-reliance.

John was a John Deere man to his core and retired as a John Deere dealer after 55 years of dedicated service expanding from one store to multiple stores across Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas. His technical expertise and understanding of farm equipment and implements was nationally recognized. His value was frequently acknowledged with dealership awards. John was passionate about his customers because he believed farmers have one of the most important jobs in providing agricultural products to their communities.

His positive impact at John Deere is only surpassed by the love he shared with his family and friends. He was known as Grandad and had a warm spirit and desire to give his grandchildren unique life experiences. He was instrumental in exposing the younger generations in his family to nature, tractors, and the unique attributes of small town living.
He believed there was nothing better than driving them around in the bed of his pickup truck or giving them tractor rides to help a young person appreciate the special characteristics of rural America. In addition to a love for his family, John had a passion for keeping the best lawn in the neighborhood, working in his shop and frequently could be found riding around the farm roads inspecting the crops. He was known for his sense of humor, work ethic, his infectious smile, and his compassionate spirit.

Services will be private for the family.

The family would like to express our deep gratitude and thanks to the wonderful guidance and care provided by NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

McDaniel Funeral Service of Kennett, Missouri, will be in charge of the arrangements.