Richard T. Pile

Richard T. “Drafty” Pile, 94, of Wood River, Illinois passed away at 4:45 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at V.I.P. Manor in Wood River. He was born April 2, 1920 in Winchester, Illinois, a son of the late Thomas and Vivian (Lewis) Pile. He married Martha Ione (Badman) Pile on October 6, 1946 in Winchester and she passed away on July 8, 2006. The United States Army veteran proudly served during World War II and was the recipient of numerous medals and recognitions. He retired in 1982 from Clark Oil Refinery in Hartford after 35 years of dedicated service as a stillman. He was a faithful and dedicated member of Pleasant View General Baptist Church in Wood River since 1962. He enjoyed helping his brother-in-law on the family farm and his days of following his grandson’s life attending many sporting events and other activities. He loved watching the Western channel with John Wayne and Audie Murphy as some of his favorites and eating out at restaurants, meeting many friends at Fiona’s and McDonalds. He will be remembered for the love and special times shared with his family and friends. He is survived by a daughter, Penny Pile-Brueggemann of Wood River; three grandchildren and their spouses, Michell and Douglas Chapman of Panama City Beach, Florida, Rachel and Rory Baggerman of Wood River and Jonathon and Priscila Brueggemann of Bristow, Virginia; five great grandchildren, Seth Tyler, Nicole Tyler, Devin McVey, Marley Brueggemann and Reagan Brueggemann; a son, Tom Pile and his family; other extended family and many friends. In addition to his beloved wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two daughters and a son-in-law, Sondra Hamilton and Kathy and Michael McVey; two brothers, Charlie Pile and Gene Pile and two sisters, Margaret Whitlock and Winona Jackson. In celebration of his life, visitation will be at Pitchford Funeral Home, 2555 Vaughn Road in Wood River on Friday, March 6, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at Pleasant View General Baptist Church, 78 East Jennings in Wood River on Saturday, March 7, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 10:00 a.m. with Brady Rueter officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto. Memorials may be made to Hope Animal Rescues and may be accepted at the funeral home. Irwin Chapel of Granite City in charge of arrangements. www.irwinchapel.com