Bill Aldridge

Bill L. Aldridge, 90, of Troy, and formerly of Wolf Lake, died Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017.

He was born on May 22, 1927, in Aldridge, the son of Thomas L. Sr. and Dona Lingle Aldridge.

He married Barbara Forrest on Jan. 31, 1953, in Cornith, Miss. She preceded him in death on Nov. 22, 2016.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, LaDonna and Donnie Chandler of Collinsville; a granddaughter, Whitney (Aaron) Baker of Troy; a great-granddaughter, Nora Lee Baker; numerous nieces and nephews; extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barbara Aldridge; a brother, Thomas L. “Tommy” Jr.; and a sister, Joyce Ann Johnson.

He was a member of Galilee Baptist Church in Wolf Lake. He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he was a member of the Saluki basketball team and a Golden Glove boxer.

During his years of employment, he worked on the IC railroad, at Trojan Powder in Wolf Lake and served as a rural mail carrier for the Wolf Lake, Ware and Grand Tower areas for many years until his retirement. He also worked diligently as a farmer during all of those years.

He was an avid stamp and coin collector, bass fisherman, devoted husband and grandpa. He was also a member of Jonesboro Masonic Lodge No. 111 for many years.

Graveside services were at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Jonesboro Cemetery, with Donnie Chandler officiating. Interment was in the Jonesboro Cemetery.

Graveside military rites were conducted by Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 of the VFW in Anna and the Illinois Army National Guard military honors team from Marion.

Memorials can be made to Family Hospice in Belleville.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements.