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Maurice WILDER Obituary

83, of Largo, passed away June 12, 2016. Maurice was born Feb. 27, 1933 in New Douglas, IL, son of Kenneth and Marie Wilder. He completed his high school education and became the Founder and President of Wilder Corporation of Delaware. He was a self-made, multimillionaire and made his fortune in mobile home parks, commercial farming, and land development. Maurice was also a member of the Republican Inner Circle and attended the inaugural balls of President Reagan, President Bush, and President George W. Bush. He leaves behind his long-time partner, Mary Carotenuto; and his former wife and friend, Kathy Wilder. He is also survived by his daughters, Veronica, Maurine, and Tiffany Wilder; son, Colby Maurice Wilder; grandchildren, Bryant Thomas, Daniel and Joshua Hinchee, Melody Bancroft, Cassidy, Cloe, and Berkley Wilder; great-grandchildren, Teagan and Savannah Hinchee. He was born and raised as a farmer and never lost the love of farming, owning tens of thousands of acres of soybean and corn farmland. Maurice said, "I like to see the corn come up, see it grow, and harvested. I like to see the nature play." In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. A visitation will be Friday, June 17, 6:00-9:00 pm, at Heritage United Methodist Church, 2680 Landmark Drive, Clearwater. A celebration of life will be held at Heritage United Methodist Church, Saturday, June 18, 1:00 pm, with a burial to follow at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park. www.sylvanabbey.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tampa Bay Times on Jun. 15, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Maurice WILDER

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catherine spudich wright

June 9, 2025

Will always remember Maurice from our high school days and will miss seeing him again at our next high school reunion over labor day. He never missed attending our reunions in the past.

Sue Uygun

June 9, 2024

Hello to Maurice's Family.
We all know that he is irreplaceable. We also miss his in-person, great personality.
I'd love to be able to ask him his opinion on many current things and am sure you guys would as well.
He made a long-lasting difference in this world, like we all hope to do.
With love and respect,
Sue and Victor Uygun
Naples, Florida
Formerly, Branson

Sue & Victor Uygun

June 10, 2022

We only know a few of the great legacies that we were involved in with Maurice. The list must go on with his family and people he knew. He took over the Branson Auto Museum and it still thrives in Branson bringing terrific memories to families and car lovers. We struggled through the tornado with him and he stood strong. That was probably from his farming background where he learned how to get through everything life throws at you. He was amazing - one of a kind - and continues to be a legacy himself. It was a pleasure to know such a guy!
Sue and Victor Uygun
Naples, Fl (formerly Branson)

Patricia Heaton

June 9, 2022

I live in his Tropical Acre Estate manufacture home park. It always has been one of the nicest and well care for parks.

Patricia Heaton

June 9, 2022

A beautiful memorial

Sue Uygun

June 9, 2020

When you have the unusual good fortune to meet and work for someone like Maurice, you can never forget him. My husband and I constantly still say things like, "Maurice would love that car!", simply because we do miss him. My first order of business, when I worked for him, was to put a full-sized Chevy high up on a sign at the auto museum. When it was completed, the whole town of Branson went nuts! It was seen for miles and once again, Maurice was right! They loved it. He was something else and never duplicated. Miss you, Maurice.
Sue Uygun

Sue Uygun

June 9, 2019

I still think about Maurice a lot. My husband and I always thought that he was one of the most interesting and intelligent people we ever had the pleasure to work with. He shared his joy for life with everyone he met. Miss you still, Maurice. Wish you were still here buying and selling classics because you sure were one!

Sue Uygun

Ken Rishel

September 10, 2016

He was very important to me as I entered the MH business in 1975 and without his involvement and advice I would have likely failed. We have not kept up with each other as we should have for a number of years but I will always be grateful to him for his help. He was a great guy and a very important part of the manufactured housing industry.

July 25, 2016

He was my feisty, brilliant boss at the Branson Auto Museum. I will miss him.
Sue Uygun

BILL PORTER

July 5, 2016

MAY MY FRIEND, MAURICE WILDER R.I.P. SO SAD AND SORRY, FOR ALL OF HIS FRIENDS AND, FAMILY. HE WILL BE , GREATLY, MISSED BY ALL.

Wright Spudich Catherine

June 25, 2016

Maurice was my classmate and we graduated
from Livingston High School in Illinois
in 1950 and was proud at what he had
achieved. So sad to hear of his death
and know all remaining members of our
class would express our deepest sympathy to all his family.

Steve Relander

June 22, 2016

So sorry for your family loss. Maurice and I have had a business relationship for quite some time. I put together most of the Illinois,Mercer County farmland for him. He was always a joy for me to talk to.

Jerry Barding

June 22, 2016

I feel so sad at the passing of Maurice. I have known Maurice since Decatur,Il He will be missed.

Pat Smith

June 22, 2016

Although I've only worked at Wilder Corporation a few years, the respect that I have for this man goes far. Kathy, Maureen, Veronica, Tiffany, Colby, Mary and the entire family - my deepest condolences. Remember the greatness of the man and all that is still a reminder of his lifetime accomplishments!
Pat Smith

June 21, 2016

On behalf of the TAE Board of. Directors in Zephyrhills, we want to extend our heartfelt sympathy to the entire Wilder family. Anita Cohen - Vice President at Tropical Acre Estates

Anna, Dennis and Mike Goad

June 20, 2016

The Goad Family would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to the Maurice Wilder family.

Bev Kennedy

June 20, 2016

Mary, we are sorry for your loss --our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time!
Charlie Kunze & Bev Kennedy

carole jacoby

June 20, 2016

I am at Palm View Gardens for six months and have been their 12 years I am sorry to hear about Mr. Wilder

A.B. * Marcie Price

June 18, 2016

Our prayers go out to his family.
Mr. Wilder was a man of many interests. We shared as common interest in raising Ostriches.

Bernard Ter Keurst

June 18, 2016

I was privileged to have worked so closely with such an accomplished businessman who I admired greatly for his ability to have pulled himself up by his bootstraps, so to speak. He was larger than life, and at the same time someone who looked for the pleasures in the little things. It wasn't always about the size of the deal, it was the art of the deal that mattered. He applied his wisdom equally, and always tried to get an edge by getting into the mind of the person he was dealing with. He owned planes that could take him anywhere in the world he wanted to go, but he always stuck to business, and used them mostly as a tool to check on his vast holdings. When I first started working for him, I was impressed by how many details he knew of the operations at each farm, giving constant guidance to the local managers about how to get a better result, or how to avoid waste. As his Controller, he taught me that sales are really the most important part of the business, because that's where it all starts. He loved us all, sometimes in his own unique way, and sometimes his lessons were tough, but they were life lessons you don't get taught in school. He wasn't always right about people, but I knew that when he evaluated a business deal, he evaluated the person he was dealing with first, before looking at any of the numbers. His unique style and approach to people, and business, will go unmatched. Congratulations on your many accomplishments Maurice, and for showing us all that it CAN be done, if you just put your mind to it!

Suzanne Daniele-George

June 18, 2016

Our Prayers for comfort are sent to all the members of the Wilder family. Please accept our deepest sympathies. ~ Rev. Suzanne Daniele-George & Calvin George

Chuck and Rosie Crowder

June 18, 2016

Our prayer are with you. Like to talk to him about the Elks and other farms. At Texas Trails for 26 year.

Baron & Lynette Billieu

June 18, 2016

Our Condolences to Colby, Veronica and all the family and friends. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Edward goad

June 18, 2016

We must not forget Mary, his devoted companion. Their love for each other was very special, and wonderful. Ed Goad

Krissy Flemister

June 17, 2016

Tiffany, Cassidy, Cloe, and the Wilder family,

Our thoughts and prays are with you during this very difficult time. I hope your family and friends will lift your spirits during your grief. Cherish the amazing impact he had on all the lives he touched and the fun memories you have.

Love the Flemister Family

Don and Chris Deno

June 17, 2016

Mr. Wilder will be greatly missed by us at Hawaiian Isles park in Ruskin. He always had a smile and a friendly handshake for us whenever he visited. Our sincerest condolences to his family.

Thomas Merrell

June 17, 2016

To the family of my best friend,past employer and mentor.
I have enjoyed being close to Maurice and the family for the biggest part of my adult life.
My heart is will you all during this difficult time.
God Bless.
Thomas L. Merrell

Bruce & Linda Beem

June 17, 2016

Our condolences to family & friends of Mr. Wilder. We worked as managers 14 years ago at Trophy Gardens RV Park in Alamo, TX & met him several times. He was always very kind & unassuming - you would never know he was a multimillionaire. We stayed in Alamo for 4 years and returned a few years later to his Tip O' Texas RV Park in Pharr which we have made our permanent home. Mr. Wilder made that possible for us & we thank him.

Robert & LuAnn Schmidt

June 17, 2016

With our deepest sympathy. May God give all the family and friends that knew him,complete peace in their hearts. We were sadden by hearing of Maurice. Our hearts go out to the family and his partner in life, sorry for your loss. God bless you Maurice and family and friends!!

L Allen

June 17, 2016

Our deepest sympathy to all Maurice Wilder family. May God give you all comfort & strength during this difficult time. Prayers.
Sincerely,
Larry & Laura Allen

Patricia Heaton

June 17, 2016

May the family find peace in the wonderful life that he lived and the joy he had in watching his fields grow.

Chip Laskey

June 17, 2016

All my thoughts to the entire Wilder Family

Chip Laskey

June 17, 2016

As a former employee and pilot for Maurice, besides him being my boss, he was a mentor. I asked him once how he does it....he replied, "If I'm not losing some, I'm not making enough deals!". My Sincere thoughts to the entire Wilder Family.

June 16, 2016

We wish to offer our deepest condolences to all of Mr.Wilder's family. He has always supported us in anyway he could. His help and concern for all of us at Hawaiian Isles will be sincerely missed. May he rest in peace as we know he will.

Hawaiian Isles Shuffleboard Club

ed and betty goad

June 16, 2016

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Fran & Rachel Sawyer

June 16, 2016

Our deepest sympathy go out to all the family.

We remember going on a Wilder cruise. With him . Nice time to get to know him. TAE park

Heather Robinson

June 16, 2016

Dear Tiffany, Kathy, Cassidy and Cloe,
We are very sorry about your loss. May the memories you have help you through this difficult time. Sending love your way. We love you, Heather, Mark, Ty and Colton xoxoxoxo

June 16, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Sandi, Tony and River Zuffa

June 16, 2016

Tiffany, Cassidy, Cloe and Kathy,

Thinking of you during this difficult time. Sending love, prayers and big hugs your way. May the memories you shared bring some comfort during this time. Much love....

June 16, 2016

I recall a time in the 1980's when Maurice and Kathy were very kind to me when I was in need and Eugene called on Maurice to help me. I will never forget their kindness. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Thinking of you, Carolyn, Jerry and Todd Wilder.

Mary Claire (Powell) Sutman

Floyd & Marie Burton

June 16, 2016

Our prayers go out to the Wilder family at this time.
30 year Alamo Rose residents.

Harold Meyers

June 16, 2016

He was always very respectful and was a pleasure for me to do business with

June 16, 2016

Dear Tiffany, Cassidy, Cloe, and all the Wilder family, We are so very sorry for the loss of your Dad and Grandfather. We loved Maurice - his beautiful smile, his wit, and all the fun happy times we shared. Take solace in knowing he is now with GOD. Sincere hugs, Catherine and Walt Piper

Lisa Pierce

June 16, 2016

Your father was such a kind, gentle man. So blessed to have known him during childhood years!! Prayers for the family during this difficult time. God Bless

Debby Mansholt-Brascia

June 15, 2016

I only spoke to him briefly a little over a year ago and we reminisced about his friendship with my dad, Emmert Mansholt who died in 2003. My dad called him his best friend growing up. They had a lot of fun when they were younger and my dad talked with him often. I only know that my dad says Maurice was a great man and I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your family that he has passed. God bless you all.

plant city fl

ed goad goad

June 15, 2016

Al & Sue Septrion

June 15, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Wilder, and his family rest in peace Maurice

debbie deane

June 15, 2016

Peace be with the family during this time of loss.

Marvin Cornett

June 15, 2016

The Cornett Family is very sad about the passing of a very dear friend for many many years. We will remember your kindness, laughter, and friendship for the rest of our lives. RIP Maurice.

Paula Williams

June 15, 2016

Sorry for your loss

June 15, 2016

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Wilder family...we've traveled many great trips all over the world with our friend Maurice...we will miss his jokes,his stories and business experiences.. Also his personal attention,trips to Texas and enjoyment for making breakfast for us..sleep well our dear friend.....Patti and Larry Dittburner ( The Villages Fl and Weslaco tx)

Elsie & Dennis McGee

June 15, 2016

Dennis and I worked for Mr. Wilder since 1996 and we are still working at the present.It really is very sad when something happens like this.Our Thoughts and prayers go out to the Wilder Family and everyone at the Corp office.God Bless you all. Elsie & Dennis Sundancelakes R.V. Resort

Lee and Mary Benfield

June 15, 2016

We were so sorry to hear of Mr. Wilder's passing. We have enjoyed staying at his Winter Ranch property in Alamo, Texas for several winters. Our sympathy to his family and friends.

Thoraine Loyd

June 15, 2016

Kathy and Tiffany,
So sorry for your loss! He was always full of energy and an interesting man to know. He amassed great wealth but remained grounded to his roots and family. He will be missed.

Larry and June Decker

June 15, 2016

To the families of Maurice Wilder. We sent many prayers for you all in the passing of your dad,grandpa, uncle ,brother, or friend. God be with you all during these saddened days and times ahead. R I P Maurice..(we are winter residence in Palmview Gardens Wilder Park in Zephyrhills, Fl.)

fun at plant city 52 years of close friendship

edward goad

June 15, 2016

Newsletter Editor for La Plaza MHP

Cecilia (Cece) Bell

June 15, 2016

My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to the Wilder family. I did not know Maurice personally but had heard about the fun times had by some La Plaza residents on one of his cruises.

Barbara and Bradley Paye

June 15, 2016

Although we did not know Mr Wilder personally, we are appreciative that we have a winter home at LaPlaza, one of his mobile home parks he owned. Our sympathy to his family and friends.

Rev Max Maya and family

June 15, 2016

Light eternal with prayers and love.

Rev Max Maya

June 15, 2016

Aho! And now he is under the yellow moon. No sadness, no suffering....bliss is his home. My heart standa with yours during this time. You are cherished and loved. Aho!

June 15, 2016

Jim and Pat Summers-Trophy Gardens Resort

Scott Piper

June 15, 2016

Maurice always had a little sparkle in his eyes when he was talking about something that interested him. He was also more than a little willing to have some fun with a joke, or a prank or two.
Multi million dollar deals were important to him and he was good at making them, but I think the simple things in life were what really made him the most happy.
Even though he lived into his 80s, his life seems so short. We can take comfort that through the sacrifice and death of Jesus Christ we all have the opportunity to live forever if we just accept Him as our savior.

Phil Westbrook

June 15, 2016

Our thoughts go out to the Wilder family for their loss.

Sam Lowe

June 15, 2016

Hi Kathy,
So sorry for your loss!

Sending prayers of love and support to you, Tifffany, Colby, and your family during this most difficult time.

Sam

teresa Coogler

June 15, 2016

Prayers for the Wilder Family. Mr Wilder will be missed by many people , as well as his family and employees.

Trisha Wendel Hooth

June 15, 2016

My love and prayers to the Wilder family. What a beautiful family he created. So many great memories growing up around all of you. Love and Peace to all.

Patti Rivera

June 15, 2016

We are praying for all. We love you

Donna Harper

June 15, 2016

So sad to read about this major loss for the Wilder family.What a successful man who left a big impact in so many ways! His many accomplishments will keep his memory alive.
Condolences to the family and a big hug to Mary. With sympathy, Donna Harper

Alice Ann Harrison

June 15, 2016

Maurine, So sorry to hear about your dad, he was a wonderful man. Prayers for you and your whole family

Dina Maynard

June 15, 2016

Tiffany..Im so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

June 15, 2016

Your light will shine forever ...

The WINDSOR Family

June 15, 2016

Our Heartfelt Sympathies to ALL the family & Friends of Mr. Wilder. The Rock of your family and love & support to many ~ Maurice surely left his mark royally. He leaves the legacy of your namesake along with living proof of what & where hard work & dedication will take you. May your precious memories comfort you and ease your hearts today & in the days to come. Please know too that you will remain in our thoughts & prayers today and in the days to follow. Rest in Peace Maurice ~ REST IN PEACE...
God Bless You ALL,
The Windsor Family
Dale, Peggy & Dustan
(Miss Peggy ~ Cassidy's Preschool Teacher)

John & Darlene O'Brien

June 15, 2016

Wilder family,

We were so sorry to hear of Maurice's passing. You have our deepest sympathy. We will keep the family in our prayers.

Maurice was a very nice man. We always enjoyed seeing him and visiting with him when he would be in Decatur or in south Texas, or when we would be in Florida.

He is now at rest, may he rest in peace.

Margaret Aman

June 15, 2016

Melody, Evan, Bryant, and family

I am so sorry to hear about Maurice. Please know that my thoughts, prayers, and hugs are with each of you.

Love you
Aunt Margaret

ROGER HUBBARD

June 15, 2016

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Anthony and Joyce Belack Santoro

June 15, 2016

Thoughts and Prayers go out to the family and friends. Love and Hugs to all. j

Richard Kirby

June 15, 2016

He helped many people with opportunities.

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