Almond, N.Y. —
Robert Luren Wildman, 73, formerly of Whitesville, passed away Friday (May 17, 2013) at home surrounded by family, following a lengthy illness. Mr. Wildman was born on Jan. 18, 1940, in Austin, Pa., to Tom and Mable Brothers. He resided at the Northern Tier Children’s Home from the time he was six months old until he was adopted by Russell E. and Ruth E. Wildman in 1945. He was a 1959 graduate of Whitesville Central School and in 1963 he graduated from Simmons School of Embalming in Syracuse and served his apprenticeship at James D. Barrett Funeral Home in Elmira. Bob owned and operated Wildman Funeral Home in Whitesville from 1969 – 1997. Previously, he worked at the Myrtle-Kobler Funeral Home in Niagara Falls; managed the Bond Funeral Home in Bath and later worked at the Crandall Funeral Home in Hornell. In the 1960’s, he was a grounds keeper for Alfred-Almond Central School and was a machinist for Air Preheater in the 1970’s. Additionally, he operated Consolidated Disposal Service from 1983-2000. Bob is survived by the mother of his four children, Sandra Jean Allen; three daughters, Tamie Wildman of Wellsville, Darla (Kevin) Ellison of Scio, and Lorie (Brian) Mackey of Rochester; one son, Zack Wildman of Wellsville; six grandchildren, Justin Slocum, Christian Slocum, Brittany Ellison, Rachel Ellison, Bryanna Mackey and Tyler Mackey; and a special longtime companion, Regina Padden. He was predeceased by a daughter, Cindy Slocum on Sept. 2, 2006. Bob was an accomplished guitar player and enjoyed writing his own songs. He also liked to write poetry and was fond of making homemade candles. He was a member of the Junior Free Masons, the Whitesville Rod and Gun Club and the Blue Lodge in Andover. Friends may call on Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. at the Baker-Swan Funeral Home, 3256 Riverside Drive in Wellsville. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home immediately following the visitation with Rev. Dennis Munro of the North Bingham Community Church officiating. Burial will follow in Whitesville Rural Cemetery.