John Merle Wildee

John Merle Wildee passed away peacefully, at the age of 91, on December 26, 2025, while sleeping. He was an intelligent, principled, kind, generous and loving family man. His knowledge was broad and his attention to detail invaluable. John was always available to lend a hand or complete a project. His smile and laugh are cherished and will be remembered by all who called him family, a friend, coworker or acquaintance. Though generally quiet, he savored his family and relationships. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

He was born and raised in Northwest Tennessee to a farming family in the tight-knit rural community of Elbridge to John William Wildee and Regina Myrtle King Wildee. Merle, as he was known as then, joined his older sister Betty Marie. A few years later they were joined by Sylvia Jane, known as Jane. Not too many years later Betty’s daughter Janice DeLois, affectionately known as Beany, completed the warm and affectionate family. Merle grew up enjoying the richness of his primary family and his extended family who lived in the area - grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Merle left Tennessee after completing high school to join the US Air Force. He was always delighted to return to Tennessee for comfort, reunions and events with family and friends as often as possible.

While in the Airforce he enjoyed a distinguished career receiving extensive training in Avionics and Management and completing a BS degree. John lived and worked in several places in the US – Massachusetts, DC, Maryland, NJ and of course Colorado. He also had numerous temporary duty assignments in other locations in the US, as well as 18 months in Okinawa. John started in the USAF as an Avionics technician, became a supervisor, shift supervisor and subsequently an instructor and manager of training programs. John retired after 23 years of service to our country as a Master Sargent.

John and Louise (Baum) married in San Diego in June of 1970 and lived in Southern New Jersey before moving to Panama City, Florida and subsequently to the Denver, Colorado area with their son George. It was there that John William, known as Jay, was born in 1973. John always enjoyed the company of his sons and daughters-in -law – Rebecca/Becky married to George and Jacqueline married to Jay. Another joy in his life was having grandchildren. Alexandrea and a “new” John M. Wildee – John Marshall Wildee known and Marshall.

In addition to enjoying time with his family, John enjoyed building and repairing things, working in his yard, and in season - hunting – particularly elk hunting. His sons had occasions to join him, and he had a very special group of hunting friends for this annual venture.

The chapter of John’s working life after USAF retirement included working as a civilian Manager for various military training programs in three different states - Colorado, Texas and California. He also worked for and retired from Frontier Airlines in Denver. He has been told he was “a tough act to follow!” retiring three times.

Once John fully retired, he and his wife enjoyed family, traveling and homelife as the sun was setting. It was a good 55 years! He was above all else, a family man.

In addition to his wife Louise, John leaves behind sons: George Anthony/Rebecca and John William (Jay)/Jacqueline. Grandchildren: Alexandrea Renee Wildee and John Marshall. His immediate family is living nearby. He also leaves his extended family, his Aunt Marlyn King Tyler, of Madison, MS., his niece aka sister Janice DeLois Barker of Memphis, nephews and nieces Johnathan Mark Weeks, Karen Michelle Weeks Rawdon, Kathy Sue Weeks Penney, Sylvia Kim Weeks, James Alan Weeks, Perry Lee Barker and 28 dear cousins.

Memorials in John’s name may be made to the organizations below or a charity of your choice:

Elbridge Cemetery

c/o J. Carver

711 Palestine Ave

Obion, TN 38240

Zion Cemetery

c/o Greg Erwin

4851 Jim Carver Rd.

Obion, TN 38240

The service will be live-steamed and recorded. Please register on this site to live stream.

Interment will be at 11am January 6, 2026, at Fort Logan National Cemetery where he will receive military honors. Please ask the Family or Newcomer Staff for information you will need to attend.