Walter Wildman

Walter B. Wildman, Jr., 89, of Piedmont, Mo., passed away June 10, 2010, at his residence.

He was born Nov. 15, 1920, in Piedmont, son of the late Walter B. and Florence Miller Wildman.

Mr. Wildman served as a sergeant during World War II in the U.S. Army Air Forces. He retired from Missouri Pacific Railroad as a signal maintainer, and he served as Wayne County municipal judge from 1987 to 1991.

He was a charter member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Piedmont, a member of the Piedmont Area Chamber of Commerce and a former member of the Piedmont Lions Club. He worked as a volunteer at the Clark's Mountain Nursing Center, calling bingo and singing gospel music. He enjoyed bowling and working around in his yard and house.

On July 9, 1942, he was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth Goldsmith. She preceded him in death May 16, 1996. He was later united in marriage to Betty Cook on Sept. 2, 2000. She survives, residing in Piedmont.

Other survivors include a son, Walter B. (Norma) Wildman III of Cape Girardeau; three daughters, Betty (Whitey) Wells of Kennedale, Texas; Carolyn Andrews of Omaha, Neb., and Diana Sparr of Little Rock, Ark.; 10 grandchildren, Teresa Wilke, Jennifer Sodergren, Kevin and Kenny Young, Christina Brink, Emily Sass, Todd Andrews, Faith Sparr, Philip Sparr and Mariel Sparr; and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Wildman, and two half sisters, Mary Short and Leota Ward.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Ruegg Funeral Home in Piedmont.

Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the chapel. Interment will be in the Masonic Cemetery in Piedmont.

Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences can be sent to www.rueggfuneralhome.com.