Wilbur Earl Shidler

It’s with sadness that we announce that Wilbur Earl Shidler Sr. (Junior), 86, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, after a six-year battle with dementia. Wilbur was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on July 20th, 1938, where he lived before moving to Florida in 1990. He was an automotive mechanic by trade and spent much of his life in Indianapolis working for different companies. Following his move to Florida (Winterpark), he worked for various companies in different roles around the Orlando area. He retired from Dixie Plywood & Lumber Company on December 10th, 2008, where he worked as a truck delivery driver.

After moving to Tallahassee, FL, in 2021, he became a member of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Tallahassee. He enjoyed spending time with his family, going to the beach, working in his garage, and watching TV. Anyone who knew him knew that he never met a stranger, and he would talk your ear off.

Wilbur is survived by his loving wife, Mary Anne Walton Shidler, of 50 years, as well as his children Mark (Theresa) Shidler, Mary “Chris” (David) Barton, Marianne Clendening, Rod (Amy) Kates, and Melissa (Patrick) Smith.

He also leaves behind 18 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents, Earl E. Shidler and Louvena Eads Woodson; his brother Daniel (Patricia) Shidler and sister Linda Shidler; his son Wilbur Shidler Jr, daughter Liz Baker, and granddaughter Lillian Grace Rausch.

May he rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to dementia research.