Grady Leon Wilder Jr.

Grady Leon Wilder, Jr., 81, went to be with the Lord in Montgomery, TX on July 16,2020. Grady was born in Des Moines, Iowa on August 27, 1938 to Grady Sr. and Larene Wilder. He was a lifelong resident of Harris and Montgomery Counties. After his discharge from the Air Force in 1960, Grady wore many hats over the years from being a Harris County Deputy Sherriff to a Journeyman Plumber and even a volunteer EMT in later years. Of all the hats he wore, his favorite was being Dad to Craig Alan Wilder of San Antonio, TX, Stephanie Anne Wilder of Montgomery, TX, and stepfather to Aaron Leon Eggleston of Austin, TX. Grady loved being a dad and in the center of the kid’s action - from supporting sporting and band events to serving as the announcer for Spring Football games (1981-1986), and his most favorite of all, being “everyone’s dad” to all of Craig and Stephanie’s friends. (But for the love of heaven do NOT walk on the grass that earned Grady yard of the month multiple times over in Spring’s Birnam Wood neighborhood!). In his later years, Grady loved being Papaw to his grandsons, Chase and Cole of Dallas, TX and Logan Wilder of La Vernia, TX. When his grandsons were young, there was nothing he liked more on a Saturday morning than having peanut butter toast cut into ‘little rounds’ with them when they visited. They loved his deep (but kind) voice and how thoughtful he was, always remembering the little things. Grady loved all of his children, his spouse and grandchildren unconditionally and was overjoyed with each visit even in his final days. Grady is preceded in death by his wife of nearly 53 years, Edna Aileen Bailey, his parents and sisters, Shirley Church, Francis Graham, Nancy Leverette, and Judy Tarver. Grady is survived by son, Craig Wilder (Lael Gessner); daughter, Stephanie Wilder (Michelle Ray); stepson, Aaron Eggleston (Dea Lemke); sister Kay Von Minden, Grandchildren – Stacy Faecher (John), Eric Eggleston (Lillie), Kasey Wenz (Luke), Chase Wilder (Sarah), Cole Wilder (Kathy), Logan Wilder; Great Grandchildren – Justin Faecher (Taylor), Blake Faecher, Koy Faecher, David Eggleston, Jack Wenz, Penelope Wenz and Austin Chase Wilder; numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Ariadna Hidalgo and LaNan Bruce who acted as caregiversfor Grady in his last months along with Montgomery United Methodist Church and the MUMC Cookers for making him part of their family. If desired, donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the MUMC Nurture Ministry. Services will held at 12:00 pm on 8/8/20 at Montgomery United Methodist Church (22548 Highway 105 Montgomery, TX 77356).

Grady Leon Wilder Jr.

August 27, 1938 - July 16, 2020