Bruce Alan Wilds

It is with deep sorrow and lasting love that we announce the passing of Bruce Alan Wilds, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose life was defined by his unwavering love for family and his passion for all things sports. After a courageous battle with cancer, Bruce passed peacefully, surrounded by his family on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

Bruce was born on June 30, 1955, in Seymour, he was the loving son of the late Albert Floyd and Mary Winifred (Dowell) Wilds. He married Rita Faye Millspaugh on June 18, 1977, in North Vernon; she survives.

Bruce was a man who found his greatest joy in life’s simplest and most meaningful moments – cheering on his favorite teams, watching games surrounded by loved ones, and sharing stories that filled the room with laughter. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was a dedicated fan of the Cincinnati Reds and the Indiana Hoosiers, calculating stats in his head and always bringing his trademark loyalty, through every win and loss. Whether cheering from the stands or the living room, his passion for sports brought energy and connection to those around them. Bruce was able to travel to Pasadena to fulfill his life-long dream of seeing the Indiana Hoosiers win at the Rose Bowl on New Years Day this year. The Hoosiers finishing with a National Championship was an unforgettable memory shared with loved ones. Bruce thoroughly enjoyed the annual trip with family and friends to the Indianapolis 500. 

After co-owning a security company with his wife in Bloomington for many years, Bruce also took great pride in his work at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, where he contributed with dedication and care. Being part of a place that brought happiness and wonder to children and families meant so much to him, and his presence there left a lasting impact.

Above all else, Bruce was a family man. He shared a lasting partnership with his beloved wife, Rita, for almost 49 years. As a father, he was a constant source of guidance and encouragement to his daughter, Rachael, and welcomed his son-in-law, Brett Gildea, into the family with warmth and pride. As a grandfather, Bruce found immense joy in Ella, Luke, and Andrew, cherishing every moment spent with them and creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Bruce will be remembered for his kindness, his steady presence, and the deep love he had for his family and friends. His extended family, including siblings, siblings-in-law, nieces, and nephews, meant the world to him. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the values he instilled, and the countless memories shared with those who knew and loved him.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

The funeral service for Bruce will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Vernon. The visitation for family and friends will be on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Burial will follow in the Vernon Cemetery in Vernon.

Memorials in honor of Bruce may be made through the funeral home to the Fort Wayne Zoo or SYC Swim Team.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bruce Alan Wilds, please visit our floral store.