Opal L. Wildman

Opal L. Wildman, 96, of Milan passed away Sunday, July 1, 2012 at the Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg. She was born at Marble Corner in what is now the Jefferson Proving Ground on April 12, 1916 the daughter of Frank and Clara Dilk Wildman. Survivors include one sister Geneva (Don) Myers of Milan along with several cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Collins J. Wildman. Miss Wildman was a 1934 graduate of New Marion High School and graduated Cum Laude from Hanover College in 1938 with majors in Latin, English, and Biology. She spent one semester at the University of Illinois doing research on Classical Americana and Classical Encyclopedia which consisted of the study of the contributions of Latin and Greek to the field of education. She also attended Indiana State University with credit in Library Science. Her teaching career spanned 43 years at New Marion, Russellville, Sunman, and Osgood, and she retired from Jac-Cen-Del in 1982. Miss Wildman was a 68 year member of the Milan United Methodist Church, member of the Indiana Retired Teachers, Ripley County Retired Teachers, Delta Kappa Gamma, PI Lamda Thata Honorary Fraternity of Indiana University, Rebekah Lodge, Eastern Star, and Chi Phi Gamma. She also played a vital role in the publication of the book "Echos of the Jefferson Proving Ground" by Sue Baker. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 5 at 11am at the Milan United Methodist Church with Rev. Chuck Britt officiating. Burial will be in the Marble Corner Cemetery at Versailles. Visitation will be Thursday at the church beginning at 9am. Memorials may be given to the Marble Corner Cemetery or the Milan United Methodist Church in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home.