Friend Remembers Oklahoma World War II Veteran Who Died Monday

A Sapulpa native who piloted one of the final bombing missions of World War II died Monday in Oklahoma City.

Ninety-year-old Bill Wildey and his flight crew flew 36 bombing missions, and he was the last surviving member.

After the war, Wildey worked for Southwestern Bell in Oklahoma City for 36 years. He married his wife Gracie in 1970.

Long-time neighbor Carol Williams says Wildey "was a very kind and considerate man, and had an awnry side which we all loved."

Wildey's wife Gracie died two months ago. Williams says she was with him when he died Monday.

"His caregiver and I were with him, we were sitting on the bed talking about Gracie. He was ready to go. And he was looking for his Gracie," she said.

Visitation for Bill Wildey is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Kernke May Chapel. Funeral services will be Thursday at 10 a.m.