Stuart Alan Gilder, 77, of Salina, passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2023 at Salina Regional Health Center.  He was born December 17, 1946 in Abilene, to Ronald and Iva (Emig) Gilder.  He attended Abilene High School in May of 1965.  In, January of 1967, he left for San Diego and shipped out on the USS Enterprise “65” and served in the Vietnam war, he was honorably discharged in 1968.  Stuart worked on the Burnett Ranch in Sharon Springs, Kansas.  He was a truck driver for Gary Johnson Trucking, for over 20 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Gladys; sons, Stuart Gilder II and Travis Gilder (Amanda), all of Salina; daughter Jennifer Mader (TJ), of Bennington; three grandchildren, Joslynn Gilder, of Salina, Wyatt Mader (Julisa), of Greenleaf, and Bailey Mader, of Bennington; siblings Melva Stillwagon (Dale), of Bennington, Mark Gilder, of Solomon; and his former wife, Leatha Murphy.

He wanted everyone to dress in jeans or casual wear for his funeral.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 2, 2023 at Ryan Mortuary.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 3, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, rosary will begin at 12:40 p.m. with Fr. Fred Gatschet as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 North Eighth Street, Salina, Kansas 67401.