Sidney Lavonne Wilhelm

June 13, 1950 – June 12, 2024

Sidney L. Wilhelm, age 73, of Perry, Oklahoma, passed away on June 12, 2024, at his home in Perry, Oklahoma.

Sid was born on June 13, 1950, in Perry, Oklahoma, to Bennie and Rose Marie (Antle) Wilhelm. He graduated from Perry High School in 1969 where he played football and was active in various organizations. Following graduation, he served in the Army National Guard for several years.

Sid and Janet Davidson Caldwell married on June 1, 1990. He was a loving husband and father. He enjoyed watching his sons, Travis and Russell, in all their respective sports and activities. Sid and his family enjoyed camping, boating, jet skis, water skiing, and OU Football, OU Softball, OU Basketball, OU Wrestling, etc. Sid loved and cheered faithfully for the OU Sooners! His love for the OU Sooners did not go unnoticed…!! And his favorite color was red!

Sid, a loyal and hardworking man, started working for Ditch Witch in 1971. Sid devoted over 50 years of his life to Ditch Witch in various positions and at times traveling to dealerships worldwide. Sid was, and still is, the longest tenured employee of The Charles Machine Works., Inc. Sid retired in late 2021 after 50 years, 8 months and 19 days as a dedicated employee and coworker. Not only did Sid love God, his family and sports, but his love for his dogs was unbelievable. Throughout Sid’s life he always had a faithful dog by his side. He loved all dogs, but his favorite breed, of course, was “Shelties.” His heart was full of love for his furry friends. He always had a treat ready for one of his beloved dogs.

Survivors include his wife, Janet Wilhelm; son, Russell Caldwell; son, Travis Wilhelm and his wife, Kristi, and their daughter, Bailey Hatfield; sister, Kim Payne and her husband, Mark; brother-in-law, Gerald Davidson and his wife, Melanie; sister-in-law, Judy Yetter; and nieces and nephews, Ian Wilhelm, Amanda Flowers, Allison Payne Devilbiss, Jeff Payne, Haleigh Davidson Collins, Natalie Davidson Rachel, Christie Yetter Schmidt, and Heath Yetter.

Sid was preceded in death by his parents, B.J. and Rose Marie Wilhelm; brother, Doug Wilhelm; sister, Alicia Wilhelm; and his grandmothers, Feba Wilhelm and Delphine Hodge.

A funeral service will be held Monday, June 17, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Perry with Brian Friend officiating. Sid will be laid to rest at Grace Hill Cemetery following the service. Due to Sid’s love for dogs, memorial contributions may be made to “Fur on Fir.”