Paul Edward Aldridge

Hartford:

Paul Edward Aldridge, age 83, passed away and went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 5 at his residence. He was born to the late Albert B. (Dick) and Rose Laveda (Forsythe) Aldridge in Lyon County Kentucky May 9, 1941.

On August 1, 1975, he married Vicki Jane Grigg in Kentucky, and she survives.

Other survivors include two daughters, Julie and (Patrick) Maag and Heather Lynn Aldridge. one grandson, Ryan Maag, and three granddaughters, Nicole, Chelsea and Michelle Maag. two sisters A. June (C.C.) Brasher and Jane Elizabeth (Steve) Elias. two brothers Sammy Dale (Diane) Aldridge and Kenneth Blakely (Tootsie) Aldridge. Sister-in-Law Dutchie Aldridge. Numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother: Roy Lee Aldridge.

He began his career at Laclede Steel Co. in Alton in 1959 after graduating from high school and Lyon County, Kentucky.

He started in the tube mill and ended up as a pipe fitter welder in the maintenance department. He was elected by the membership to several positions in the union, shop steward, grievance committeeman, vice president and president of the local 3643. Paul went to work for the international union after being appointed a staff representative’s position, by then district director, Buddy Davis.

Paul spent a total of 44 years in the union and retired in 2003 from the United Steelworkers of America International Headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Paul loved gardening, playing golf with his buddies, and bowling with his wife, Vicki and friends.

He was a member of first Baptist Church in Alton. Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, from 5pm to 8pm at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Pitchford Funeral Home at 11am. Burial will follow directly after at the Woodland Hill Cemetery with full military honors by the Ritual Team of VFW Post 1308 of Alton.

Memorials are suggested to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home.