OBITUARY: Robert Lee “Bob” Aldridge
Robert Lee "Bob" Aldridge, age 87, of Marion, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at 10:40 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, 2013, at his home.
Bob was born in Harrisburg on Wednesday, July 1, 1925, the youngest child of John Wesley and Bessie (Jenkins) Aldridge.
He was united in marriage to Norma Lee Vaughn on Sunday, Nov. 17, 1946, in Harrisburg, and together they have shared nearly sixty-seven years of marriage. In 1950, Norma gave birth to their son, David. They lived in Harrisburg until 1974, when Bob and Norma moved to Marion.
In both Harrisburg and Marion, Bob was a faithful part of Jesus' Church. He and Norma were members of Dorrisville Baptist Church while living in Harrisburg and after moving to Marion became active members of First Baptist Church.
Bob has served in many positions of the church including Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, teacher and he served on many boards and committees of the church.
He also was a lifetime member of the Harrisburg Masonic Lodge No. 325 and the IBEW Local Union No. 702.
Bob was an exceptional worker. As a young man, he lived and worked briefly in Michigan. Upon returning to Southern Illinois, he began a long career with the Southeastern Electric Co-Op, where he first worked as a lineman and then a supervisor and trainer for a team of lineman. He worked for the Co-Op for 38 years before retiring in 1987.
After retirement, he and Norma traveled around the country enjoying their time together. Bob was an avid outdoorsman and reader. He loved spending time with and going on adventures with his family.
He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Bob set an example for all of them of what it looks like to live life well. He was faithful to God and his family through all his life.
He is survived by his wife, Norma L. Aldridge of Marion; son and daughter-in-law, David and Karen Aldridge of Marion; granddaughter, Hannah Aldridge of Pullman, Wash.; grandson, Robert "Rob" Aldridge and his wife, Rebecca of Helena, Mont.; granddaughter, Sarah McNeece and her husband, Chris of Renton, Wash.; their three sons who are Bob's great grandsons, Elijah, Will and Wyatt all of Renton, Wash.; other extended family and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Zella Cleary and Reba Hull; and three brothers, Layton, William "Bill" and John Wayne Aldridge.
Arrangements for Robert Lee "Bob" Aldridge have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion.
The time of visitation for family and friends will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26 at the funeral home.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2013, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home with Dr. Bob Dickerson presiding.
Interment will follow in Sunset Lawn Cemetery of Harrisburg.
For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to either the "First Baptist Church Library Fund" or "Hospice of Southern Illinois." Memorial contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion Ill. 62959.
For additional information, or to leave an online "Condolence in Memory" or to light a "Candle in Memory," please visit our website at www.wilsonmcreynolds.com or call 618-993-2131.