Donald "Don" Wilde

Donald Peterson Wilde, 93, of Terreton, Idaho, passed away April 9, 2011, at his home. He was under the care of Hospice of Eastern Idaho. Don was born December 27, 1917, in Smoot, Wyoming, to Clarence H. Wilde and Myrtle Ivy Peterson Wilde. He lived with his family in Wyoming until he was 6 years old, at which time the family moved to Idaho Falls. He graduated from Idaho Falls High School. He served in the U. S. Army during World War II and was the personal cook for General Eisenhower and General Patton. He married Ila Gray on November 10, 1946, in New Sweden, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple August 24, 1965. Don was a farmer and worked for Simmons Farm Supply as a fertilizer salesman. He retired in 2009 at the age of 91. Don was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as the High Priests Group Leader and Sunday School teacher as well as a home teacher. He enjoyed square dancing, fly fishing, hunting, traveling, watching sports and spending time with his family. Dad, we will remember you and miss you every day. Your family is in awe at the strength and courage you showed during this great battle. We will forever be inspired by qualities of intelligence, hope, optimism, faith and love that you showed us. We remain so proud of you and so thankful that we were able to share this walk through life with you. Don is survived by his wife, Ila of Mud Lake; Daughter, Beverley (Bill) Lichtenberg of Orlando, FL; Daughter, Sandra (LeRoy) Stevens of Kalispell, MT; Daughter, Margie Mecham of Idaho Falls, ID; Son, Donald (Becky) Wilde of Idaho Falls, ID; Brother, Boyd Wilde of Jackson Hole, WY; Brother, Lyman “Pete” (Cleone) Wilde, UT; 15 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Clarence and Theone; two sisters, Cleo and Fern; son-in-law, Grant Mecham; and one special granddaughter, Lacey Walker. Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 15, 2011, at the Terreton LDS 2nd Ward Chapel, 1509 North 1300 East, Terreton, with Bishop Scott Blackham officiating. The family will visit with friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Friday prior to the services. Burial will be in the West Jefferson Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, Idaho Falls, with Veterans Rites provided by the West Jefferson Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Honor Guard.