Jack Wilder, 88, of Clay Center died on Monday, December 4, 2023 at Advena Living of Clay Center, Kansas. He was born on September 21, 1935 in Clay Center, the son of Charles and Viola (Gebhardt) Wilder.
Jack grew up in Clay Center and graduated from CCCHS in 1953. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1953-1957, returning to Clay Center in 1957 and worked at Sears-Roebuck for a short time. Jack married Irene Walsh and they later divorced. He then married Darylene (Gunter) Carver on December 10, 1966 and she preceded him in death on October 20, 2023. Jack started his own wholesale business, selling various items to convenience stores in the surrounding areas for over 50 years.
He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where he was an usher, Elder and a member of the evangelical committee. Jack was also a member of the American Legion.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; son, Jacky; great granddaughter, Saraya Ciampa and sister JoAnn Wilder.
Jack is survived by his daughters, Sherry and husband, Christian Ruiz of Andover, KS, Lisa and husband, Tim Kaufman of Clay Center, KS, Darla Wilder of Junction City, KS, and Linda and husband, Dennis Parry of Moundridge, KS; son, James “Jay” Carver; 15 grandchildren, Jill Wasko, Mindy (David) Parry, Holly (Matt) Plank, Jesse Taunton (Amy), Jareth Taunton, Aaron Jones, Jon (Sari) Cunningham, Jason (Rachel) Cunningham, Jeremy Cunningham, Jacob Ruiz, Ray Davis, Jennifer (Phillip) Ciampa, Lacy (Mike) Abell, Amanda Houchin (Clayton Mason) and Michael Houchin and 30 great grandchildren, Adelyn, Baby Parry, Paisley, Lucas, Elijah, Caden, Chance, Aeriana, Clara, Corbin, Titus, Lydia, Gideon, Evangeline, Ezra, Chloe, Abigail, Ryland, Emma, Izzy, Ally, Jeremiah, Gracelyn, Ezra, Lily, Isaiah, TJ, Monica, Hunter Ray and Hailyn.
Visitation will be held from 4-7PM on Friday, December 8, 2023 at the Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home in Clay Center, Kansas.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30AM on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Clay Center, Kansas.
Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and can be sent in care of the funeral home.
