Cleon "Butch" James Wilda

On a beautiful, cool morning, Cleon James “Butch” Wilda, 83, of Eagar, passed away peacefully at his home, Tuesday, May 16, 2023. Butch was born in Phoenix, Arizona, the son of Cleon Orville Wilda and Irene Ann Zimmerman on February 29, 1940; a leap year baby. He always joked that he was only 20 years of age.

He leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Billye Edna Wilda and children, Dawn (Jon) Buseman; Travis (Wendy) Wilda, Lorie (Chuck) Thurman and John (Sheri) Powers. He was Grandpa to eight wonderful grandchildren and Great Grandpa to six beautiful great-grandchildren.

Butch was an Arson Investigator with the Phoenix Fire Dept., joining the department on September 7, 1965. He was one of the first law enforcement-certified PFD fire investigators. In 1985 after his Phoenix Fire Dept. career, he took over the position as East PHX #2 Constable. Later he worked at the Barrett Jackson Annual Auction and Phoenix International Raceway. After moving to Eagar he volunteered his time with the ATV Jamboree. He was also a great help to Billye when she decided to open our local quilt shop, Quilter’s Haven. Butch had many, many hobbies but was very passionate about gardening, NASCAR and golf and was an avid fisherman on Arizona Lakes and Cholla Bay, Mexico. He was very handy around the house; always doing little upgrades here and there where he deemed necessary.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Annrie Frasier, Oregon.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

The Wilda family would like to thank his many friends for their prayers, love and compassion.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Amity building, 576 W School Bus Rd., Eagar.

In lieu of flowers the family wishes for donations to be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Round Valley, 928-333-7824 or PO Box 1606, Eagar, Arizona 85925.

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