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In Memoriam
Retired Lt. Col. Adna G. Wilde Jr.
1920 - 2008
Please post your memories and thoughts by visiting our Memorial Guestbook.
A Special Note of Thanks from Joan Wilde:
Dear ANA Members and Friends:
Adna considered being a member of the ANA an honor. He held his membership in the highest esteem. We are all collectors in some way
whether it is of thoughts or memories or of times we recall being together with others of the same interests. Adna would be honored to know that
so many friends and acquaintances recall and remember the times they met him and spent with him.
Thank you for these remembrances and for friendships that were so much a part of his life.
- Joan Wilde
Retired Lt. Col. Adna G. Wilde Jr., former president, Board member, executive director, treasurer and parliamentarian of the American Numismatic
Association, died on the morning of Nov. 17 in Colorado Springs. He was 88.
"This is a sad time for our Association," ANA President Barry Stuppler said. "Adna will be remembered as one of the most important leaders in our
history. Everyone who knew him respected him for his kindness, professionalism, and service to his country. He was the finest gentleman I've ever
known, and he will be deeply missed."
A member since 1947 (Life Member 232), Wilde served as executive director from 1968-72, governor from 1973-79, vice president from 1979-81,
president from 1981-83 and treasurer from 1983-2008. He received the Farran Zerbe Memorial Award in 1985, the Medal of Merit and Exemplary Service
Award in 1991, the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998, and Presidential Awards in 1994, 1998 and 2008. He received the inaugural award named in his
honor, the Adna G. Wilde Jr. Award for Excellence, this October.
Wilde was elected to the ANA Numismatic Hall of Fame in 2002, was named ANA Numismatist of the Year in 2005 and received the Numismatic Ambassador
Award from Numismatic News in 1995.
He was born in Vicksburg, Miss., on Oct. 1, 1920, and graduated from The Citadel in 1943. After college, he joined the Army, and was wounded in
combat in Italy during World War II. He moved to Colorado Springs in 1945 and served as an officer in the Army, achieving the rank of Lieutenant
Colonel before coming to the ANA in 1968.
An accomplished numismatist, he was known most notably for his research of Lesher Referendum dollars and Stone Mountain commemorative half dollars.
In his first year as executive director, he and Ed Rochette were instructors for the first Summer Seminar. Enrollment the first year was 17 for the
week-long educational event; Summer Seminar has since expanded to two weeks and attracts over 400 students each year.
"The ANA benefited from Adna's expertise for 40 years," said Executive Director Larry Shepherd. "He inspired countless young collectors, and
provided a steady hand through good times and bad. His legacy will help guide the Association for generations to come."
Wilde is survived by his wife, Joan. He will be buried with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Information about memorial services and
donations will be released when it becomes available. The ANA has created a memorial page on its Web site; all are welcome to post their thoughts, condolences and memories.
Thank you,
The ANA Family
The Adna G. Wilde
Jr. Summer Seminar Scholarship Fund has been established as a tribute to Wilde’s contributions to numismatic education.
Donations in his memory may be mailed to:
American Numismatic Association
Adna G. Wilde Jr.
Summer Seminar Scholarship Fund
818 North Cascade Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Online FormMemorial Services
Funeral Services will be held at 9 a.m. EST, Jan. 26 at Arlington National Cemetery.
A separate memorial service will be held the same day at 10 a.m. MST at ANA headquarters in Colorado Springs. Address & Map
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