Donald S. Wilder, age 74, of Fredericksburg, VA passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at his home. He was preceded in death by his wife, Angela Wilder of 37 years and his parents, Boyd and Mabel Wilder of Middlesboro, KY.
Survivors include his sons Mike Wilder and his daughters, Rachel and Erica. David Wilder and his daughter, Kristi. Also, his very special companion, Anne M. Bagshaw.
Don moved from his hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee to the Northern Virginia area in 1965 to work at the Central Intelligence Agency as a graphic analyst. In 1976, Don and Bill Rechin co-created the nationally syndicated comic strip, 'Crock', distributed by the King Features here and abroad. Don did the writing and Bill does the drawing. His association with 'Crock' allowed him to meet several U.S. Presidents and many celebrities who enjoyed, 'Crock'. Don keeps his sense of humor by asking that the inscription on his marker be. "Healthy All My Life and Now This".
He graduated from East Tennessee University majoring in art. He was a member of the National Cartoonist Society, the National Press Club, a former member of Elk's Lodge 875 and a Hospice volunteer.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday September 26, 2008 at Laurel Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 12:00 - 2:00 pm prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, Don asks that contributions be made to Mary Washington Hospice, 5012 Southpoint Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22407. Online condolences an be expressed at www.laurelhillfuneralhome.com.