Benjamin E. Wilder, 96, of Urbana passed away at 1:09 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at his residence.

A military graveside service will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois at 1215 p.m. on Monday, July 11, 2016.

Ben was born on October 18, 1919 in Joliet, IL to parents Eugene and Hattie (Boyd) Wilder. They preceded him in death. On March 6, 1943 he married Wanda R. Phillips in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Wanda passed away on December 25, 2015. Also preceding him in death were two brothers, one half brother and his son in law Larry Wilson.

He is survived by his children; Nancy Wilson of New Lenox, IL, Scherrie (Nicolas) Sanchez of Joliet, Michael (Connie) Wilder of Urbana and Dawn Wilder of Urbana. Ten grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren also survive him.

Ben worked as a coal miner, a warehouse foreman but for most of his life he was a laborer, working as a laborer for over forty years. Retiring from Alexander Lumber Company in Joliet.

Ben was a proud WWII veteran, serving with the United States Army before being honorably discharged in 1945. He earned a medal, a ribbon, four bars, one stripe, a bronze service arrowhead and a silver battle star.

He was a member of Birchwood Baptist Church. He loved the Lord, and was a devout Christian with a servant's heart. Ben was a humble unassuming man, believed in the importance of a man's handshake and loved his family. He is going to be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project in honor of PFC Benjamin E. Wilder, WWII Veteran. Condolences may be offered at renner-wikoffchapel.com.