Viewing: 12-8 PM Sunday, August 26, 2018 at the funeral home with family greeting guest from 3-5 PM.
Services: 10:00 AM on Monday, August 27, 2018 at Graceway Baptist Church, 1100 SW 104th, with burial following at Sunny Lane Cemetery

Chief Robert Vard Wilder, Sr., fondly known as Bob by his family and friends, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at the age of 79. The son of Houston Vard and Bonnie Edna (Beeler) Wilder, Bob was born on February 15, 1939 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He graduated from Southeast High School in 1957 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master of Criminal Justice Administration, all from Oklahoma City University. Bob Wilder continued a family tradition of service by joining the Oklahoma City Police Department in 1960. Bob quickly rose up through the ranks and was named Chief of Police in February 1985. He held that position until his retirement in June of 1990. In October of 1997, Chief Wilder was appointed sheriff of Marshall County, Oklahoma. Bob Wilder has received many awards throughout his career. Among them were Federal Bureau of Investigation "Exceptional Service" award, City Managers Leadership Award, and, Republic of China National Police Medal. Wilder is a past president of the Oklahoma Sheriff's and Peace Officers Association, a member of the National Sheriff's Association, a former member of Major Cities Chiefs of Police, and a former president of the Oklahoma Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates. On October 3, 1958, he married his one true love, Edith Gail Lawson, and together shared 50 years of marriage and raising their daughter, Debra and son, Robert, Jr. Bob dedicated his life to serving his community. He served as the Chief of Police for Oklahoma City & as the Marshall County Sheriff retiring in 2012. His law enforcement career spanned 54 years. In 2010 Bob was honored with an induction into the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame. In his spare time, Bob loved none more than spending time with his family, especially his grandkids whom he was very proud of and spending time at his favorite spot on the lake. An exceptional marksman, Bob also enjoyed hobbies such as shooting, woodworking, cooking, and travel. A longtime member of numerous organizations, Bob was known for being generous, smart and fair in all of dealings.

Preceded in death by
wife of 50 years, Edith Wilder.
his parents; Vard and Bonnie Edna (Beeler) Wilder
brother, Harry Smitherman-Wilder, who was killed in action during World War II;

He leaves behind his loving family:
son, Robert “Robbie” Vard Wilder, Jr. and his wife, Marie;
daughter, Debbie Gruver and her husband, Ron;
7 Grandchildren & 5 Great Grandchildren;
surviving sister Shirley Anthony & husband Don
as well as many nephews, nieces a host of extended family,
and Bob's close special friend Annette Scott and many treasured extended family, friends, and co-workers.

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