Byford Eldridge

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M., Friday, January 25, 2008, at Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL, with Dr. Charles Witte officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time at the funeral home. Burial will be in Macon County Memorial Park, Harristown, IL.Memorials may be made to American Heart Association.Byford was born October 12, 1925, in Bonnie, Illinois, the son of Lawrence and Cecil (Farthing) Eldridge. He married Barbara Ruth Bayne on October 9, 1949, in Mt. Vernon, IL.Byford retired from Caterpillar after 30 years of service. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving his country in WWII in the Philippines. Byford was a member of the Moose Lodge 684 and a Lifetime Member of Disabled American Veterans.He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara of Decatur, IL; daughters Jane Gardner, Nancy McCain and husband Daniel, all of Decatur, IL; grandchildren Matthew Dial and wife Erika, Justin Dial and wife Jennifer, Stefanie Gardner; great grandchildren Nicholas, Elizabeth, and David Dial.He was preceded in death by his parents.The family would like to thank the team of physicians, respiratory therapists and loving ICU nursing staff at St. Marys Hospital for their care and compassion.Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com. "
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