Robert Donald Wilde ~February 8, 1936 – September 4, 2026

Robert Donald Wilde, age 90, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026.

Robert proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps for ten years, attaining the rank of Sergeant. His military service included the Korean War era, and he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

Robert also gave generously of his time through many years of volunteer service at the San Diego Train Station, the San Diego Zoo, and the San Diego International Airport. He enjoyed helping others and connecting with the many people he met along the way. His volunteer work reflected his giving nature, kind heart, and love of conversation.

Robert’s life was one of many chapters, including years of distance from his children, and later a meaningful reconnection with his family. As his children reached adulthood, Robert became increasingly involved in their lives, and some of the family’s most cherished memories were made during his years as a grandfather and great-grandfather.

His grandchildren remember him as giving, kindhearted, funny, and a chatterbox. He had a way of filling a room with conversation, and his family will remember his humor and the kindness he showed to those he loved.

Robert especially loved holding his great-grandchildren and giving them rides on his scooter. He was also known for his adventurous scooter driving at Willowbend assisted living home. He would pause in the hallway, switch his scooter into “rabbit mode,” and away he went. Watch out, everyone—Big Bob was on the move! His family and the Willowbend staff will remember those moments with laughter and affection. They were part of the humor and personality that made him so memorable.

Though his relationships with his children were not always easy, the years they shared later in life gave them opportunities to create new memories and experience him as a grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be remembered for the kindness and generosity he showed, the laughter he brought to family gatherings, and the love he developed for the generations that followed him.

FamilyRobert is survived by his children: David Wilde; Robert Wilde and his wife Linda; Glenn Wilde and his wife Ruthanna; and his daughter Gail Wilde and her husband David “Earl” Cox. Robert affectionately called his son-in-law Earl, as he already had a son and grandson named David.

He is also survived by 17 grandchildren: David’s children: Alicia, Allison, and Mara.Robert and Linda’s children: Andrew, Lisa, and Daniel.Glenn and Ruthanna’s children: BrieAnna, Stuart, and twins Adam and KristiAnna.Gail’s children: David, Leesa, Ryan, Justin, Jacob, Alyssa and Emily and bonus children Briezy, Derrick and Mariah.

Robert is also survived by 32 great-grandchildren, with two more great-grandchildren on the way.

 He is also survived by his oldest only surviving sibling, Maurice Wilde.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Wilde and Opal Albertson Wilde; his twin brother Ronald Wilde; his brothers, Larry Wilde, Leslie Wilde, and Jim Wilde; his sister Sharon Wilde Hutting; and his former wife Dorothea Lauralei Elsey Wilde, with whom he shared four children.

A special remembrance is also extended to Lois Flemming, who preceded Robert in death and held a meaningful place in his life.

Funeral ServicesA viewing will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. at DeBerry Funeral Home, 2025 West University Drive, Denton, Texas.

A small committal service with military honors and Taps will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home & Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park, 7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas. Robert will be laid to rest in his crypt.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the San Diego Zoo in honor of Robert Donald Wilde.