Joseph Edward Wilder

Joseph Edward Wilder, age 82, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025. Born on July 28, 1942, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Joe dedicated his life to service, family, and faith.

A proud and longtime member of the New Orleans Fire Department, Joe rose through the ranks to serve as District Chief. His decades of courageous service reflected not only his professionalism but his deep commitment to protecting and helping others. He was also a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus, living out his faith through charitable works and support of his community.

Joe was an avid outdoorsman who found great joy in hunting and fishing—pastimes he loved sharing with friends and family. Above all, Joe was a man of integrity, kindness, and love, who cherished time spent with those closest to him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Carrie Wilder, and his siblings AC, Edward, and Carol. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Brenda Wilder, and his daughters: Laurie Maschek (Jim), Kathrine Ledet (Richard Jr.), Cynthia Jenkins (Scotty), and Kerri Wilder. Joe was a proud grandfather to Jessica Dierker (Joshua), Richard Ledet III, Sarah Patel (Smit), and William Smith (Abigail), and a joyful great-grandfather to Ellis, Emmitt, and Evelyn Dierker.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 1000 Goodyear Blvd., Picayune, MS 39466. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM, followed by the Holy Rosary at 10:30 AM and Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Joe’s memory be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Joe Wilder will be remembered as a hero to many, a friend to all, and a man whose heart was forever dedicated to his faith, his family, and his community.