Michael Wilder

Michael “Mike” Wilder, 71, of Anderson, passed away Wednesday April 20, 2016 at his residence.

He was born March 21, 1945 in Anderson, the son of Weldon and Carrie Mae (Hawkins) Wilder.

Mike attended St. Mary’s High School and graduated from Anderson High School in 1963. After attending Indiana State University, he was employed by Guide Lamp. He was an avid sports fan. He particularly enjoyed watching Indiana University basketball, the Indiana Pacers and the Indianapolis Colts.

Mike also had a great love for harness racing. Before Hoosier Park was built, he traveled almost nightly to various race tracks in Ohio. After Hoosier Park opened, Mike was a nightly fixture in the Club House until his health prevented him. For several years he owned Standardbreds, which raced at Hoosier Park and Chicago.

He is survived by his sister Sue Ann Hamilton and her daughters, Kari K. (Matt) Dalton and Megan Lila Hamilton both of Selma. Also surviving are his great-nephews, Landon and Silas and his great-nieces, Phoebe and Juniper.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory. Burial will follow at East Maplewood Cemetery.

Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Christian Center, or the American Diabetes Association.