Mel Wilde

1941 - 2021

Mel Wilde
September 24, 1941 - August 1, 2021
Fort Worth, Texas - Mel Wilde, 79, passed away unexpectedly at home on August 1, 2021.
Memorial Mass: 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 6 at Holy Family Catholic Church Fort Worth. Following the service, the family will greet friends at a celebration of life at Ridglea Country Club from 12:15 to 2:30.
Mel was born September 24, 1941 in Rhineland, Texas, son of Charles and Annie Wilde, and the 7th of 10 children. He graduated from Decatur High School. He served in the US Army and reserves ending in 1969, where he assisted with medics, enjoyed boxing, received an expert marksmanship rifle badge, and a good conduct medal. After the Army, Mel moved to Ft. Worth and began his banking career at First National, where he met his partner in life, Yvonne.
Mel graduated from SMU's Graduate School of Banking and progressed to be President and Director of Bank of Crowley, Meadowbrook Bank, and FNB of Texas. Prior to that he was EVP at City National. Many say he was a banking legend for the city of Ft. Worth and its people. One of his goals early in life was to become a bank president, which he accomplished when he was 40. His positive demeanor and loyalty from a handshake helped him touch many in the city to help them prosper and fulfill their dreams. He continued that path for the next 30 years spending the majority of his life focused on friends, family, and mentoring future bankers.
Mel remained a devout Catholic his entire life and one of his proudest accomplishments was sponsoring a 70 year old friend into the Catholic Church. Mel has been a member of Holy Family for 20 years and it was rare when he missed a Sunday service.
Mel served on numerous boards and was past President of Woodhaven, Ridglea, and the Stonegate HOA. He loved to play golf, fish, hunt, and listen to country music. Mel never made any excuses for his actions and wore his heart on his sleeve. He was a great people person, great friend to all, ALWAYS lived life to the fullest, and was a loving husband and awesome father and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife, Yvonne; son, Justin and wife, Leigh; daughter, Angela and husband, Brian; grandchildren, Gavin, Graham, Abigail and Amber; sister, Bettie and husband, George; brothers, Cecil and wife, Margaret, Sev and John; sister-in-law, Helen; and numerous nephews and nieces.
The family respectfully requests donations be made to Tunnel to Towers on Mel's behalf in lieu of flowers.