John "Wild Bill" William Wilder

John William "Bill" Wilder 74 years, died peacefully in his home on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Bill was born in Austin on March 9, 1949, to Elizabeth and John Lilburn Wilder, Jr. He was a class of '67 Reagan High School graduate and earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration at the University of Texas. His entire career was dedicated to the Texas Department of Transportation.

As a very young boy Bill saw his first convertible and a lifelong passion for restoring classic cars was born. He also tinkered with antique jukeboxes, classic toys and arcade games. Bill loved the water and in his youth was a very talented skier on Lake Austin. Years later he enjoyed water volleyball with friends in the backyard pool. Bill’s strength, intelligence, wit and caring nature will long be remembered.

Bill will be missed by his wife of 31 years Donna Olshefski Wilder, sister Diane Kay Wilder-Holliday-Hale and her husband Eric Hale, canine companions Jack and Lizzie. He is predeceased by father Col. John Lilburn "Jack" Wilder, Jr., mother Elizabeth Jarmon Wilder, sister Betty Virginia Wilder and brother Robert Edwin "Bobby" Wilder.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite animal rescue.

Celebration of Life on June 10, 2023 at 11am, Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Austin, TX 78752.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Wilder family.