Roy Earl Wildt, Jr.

Roy Earl Wildt Jr. was an incredible man with a remarkable life story! It began on August 5th, 1932 in Shanghai, China. He was born to Roy E. Wildt Sr. and Pok Sen Pak ‘Mary’ Boku Wildt. Roy was the third born out of the 5 brothers: Bob, Wally, Roy, Albert and Ernie. He was of German and Korean descent, German on his father’s side and Korean from his mother. When Roy was 7 years old, his mother passed away. His father then secretly married the nanny, Sung Sou Hwa (Cheecha). Cheecha made a promise to Mary that she would take care of her boys and she held onto that promise, becoming the most loving and cherished Mom to the boys.

Roy attended Shanghai American School in his early years of education. He remained a proud former student and supporter of SAS into his adult life.

In 1942, Japan invaded China and Roy was placed in a Japanese internment camp, Chapei Civilian Assembly Center, with his father and four brothers. He remained at CCAC, until 1945 when the Japanese surrendered and withdrew from China. They continued to live in China until 1949 when they boarded the last ship to America, with the addition of the first Wildt sister, Ida. They arrived in San Francisco, California and traveled by train to Louisville, Kentucky. When they reached their final destination, it was Father’s Day, 1949.

The Wildt family expanded to include two more sisters, Lil and MaryAnn, as well as two more brothers, David and Butch. A house full of love and 10 children!

It was in Louisville, Kentucky that Roy met the love of his life, Darlene Jane Sulzer. She was his girl next door, on the infamous Rowan Street. The two lovebirds were married on July 4th, 1952. During this time, Roy joined the U.S. Navy and completed his duty in 1955.

Roy was accepted into the University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering where he graduated in 1961 with a degree in electrical engineering, also known as a DOUBLE E. He was the captain of the U of L soccer team.  During his college years, Roy and Darlene were blessed with their son, Kevin.

Roy relocated to Indianapolis after graduation and began working with Naval Avionics Center (NAC). In 1963, Roy and Darlene completed their beautiful family by welcoming their daughter, Kimberly.

Roy was like James Bond, not able to share much of his career, due to his high level of security clearance. He always joked, “If I tell ya, I’d have to kill ya!” He designed the Data-Link for the Sidewinder and Walleye missiles, as well as other projects. Some of which can be seen at the Pensacola Naval Museum to this day.

Roy retired from NAC in August of 1987, but he did not stop working! He then started his career as an electronics teacher for Blue River Vocational School before moving on to his final school placement, Ben Davis High School in MSD of Wayne Township. Roy finally retired, for real this time, in 1997. He and Darlene decided to become snowbirds and spend 6 months out of the year, in Niceville, Florida.

Roy was a highly involved member at First Trinity, Servants of Christ, and St. Paul Lutheran churches. He and Darlene were Sunday School teachers, members of the choir, he was the “Candy Man” (he had some famous fudge) and dedicated much of his time to serve the Lord.

Roy was the most amazing grandfather to 4 grandchildren: Melanie, Jessica, Taylor, and Ashley. He was the creator of the renowned mystery trips, the most fascinating person to bring for show and tell at school, and overall, the best Papaw there ever was. He was blessed with 5 great grandchildren: Gavin, Kaydance, Kyndall, Jalen, and Sutton.

To know Roy, was to love him! He spent the last few years of his life as a resident at the Arlington Place Health Campus. The nurses shared that he was such a joy, such a bright light, and that he gave so much love and happiness to everyone there, residents and staff.

Roy was the ultimate Patriarch to the Wildt family, and his family meant everything to him. Even down to the very last breath, he was concerned for his family, a true family man. Roy was the absolute best husband, father, brother, father-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather. He will forever be in our hearts and our fondest memories!