USA Rice extends condolences to the family and friends of Edward Hight Wild, who passed away September 16, 2025 at the age of 92. He was born on December 30, 1932 to Everett E Wild and Zella Hight Wild in Crowley, LA and was a 1950 graduate of Crowley High School, he attended and received his bachelor's degree from Southwestern Louisiana Institute in Agriculture and was an active member in ROTC. He married Helen Merle Todd of Carlyss, LA at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Maplewood, LA on December 27, 1953.
Edward proudly served as a navigator in the US Air Force from August 1955 - January 1960, obtaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant. After completion of his service, the couple moved to Welsh, LA and immersed themselves into the community and the ministries at First Presbyterian Church of Welsh. As an avid rice farmer Edward was active in the support of the rice industry on a local, parish, state, & national level. He was cofounder of the Jeff Davis Rice Growers Association, & was on the board of directors of Thornwell Warehouse Association, American Rice Inc., & American Rice Growers.
In addition he was a member of Farm Bureau, Jefferson Davis Drainage Board District 9, Rice Promotion Board, Soy bean Promotion Board, Louisiana Cattlemen's Association. He was awarded Louisiana Rice Farmer of the Year. Edward served the Presbyterian Church as an elder and on 2 state and national level both in Presbytery & General Assembly. He avidly supported his own children and grandchildren through their activities including Welsh Greyhound backers, FFA, and 4-H.
Those left behind to cherish his memories are son, Steve Wild and wife, Gretchen of Fairview, TX; daughter, Sharon Wild, DVM, of The Colony, TX; son, Brian Wild of Welsh; son, Bill Wild and wife, Karen of Welsh; son, Tim Wild and wife, Melanie of Welsh; grandchildren, Kristen, Stephanie Erin, Ethan, Gretchen, Grant, Jillian, Hannah, Kate, Griffin, Luke, Rachel, Lincoln, Gabe, Waylon and Stuart; great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Coleman, Meghan, Claire, Zella, Ezrah, Hight, Farris, Knox, Bishop, Sutton, and Gideon.
He is preceded in death by his wife, grandson, Everett W Wild, and his parents.
Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025 at Hixson Funeral Home, Welsh, and will resume at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at First Presbyterian Church in Welsh followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Jimmy Broussard officiating.
Burial will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery in Welsh under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home. Serving as pallbearers are Griffin, Lincoln, Waylon, Ethan, Grant, Gabriel, Stuart and Luke Wild.
The family would like to say a special thanks to Norma Kelly, Steven Pete, the staff of Lamm Family Care, and all the other care givers for the kindness and love they showed to our Edward.