Thomas M. Aldridge

Thomas M. Aldridge, 86, of Monmouth, IL died at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2015 at Cottage Hospital, Galesburg. He was born March 21, 1929 in Warren County, IL the son of Charles M. and Marie (Coursey) Aldridge. He was raised and educated in Warren County. Tom served 27 years with the United States Army Air Force and later the Army from 1946 until 1973 where he earned the rank of Master Sergeent. He was a member of the 101st Airborne and later the 82nd Airborne. He also served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam and was a member of the Green Berets for 17 year. He received numerous commendations including a Bronze Star and a Silver Star. Thomas married Marian Goehl in Monmouth on July 29, 1950 and she died March 11, 2014. Tom began working for local farmers in Warren County driving a tractor at age 9. Following his military service he worked for 20 years for Eagle Food Stores before finally retiring in 1995. He was a member of the Monmouth VFW Post #2301, the Monmouth American Legion Post # 136 and the Quad Cities Eagle Club. He enjoyed gardening and motorcycles. Tom owned the 1st and 3rd Harley Davidson motorcycles in Warren County. Survivors include his 4 children, Terry J. (Brenda) Aldridge of Kirkwood, IL, Rick (Fawn) Aldridge of St. Augustine, IL, Ronnie (Michelle) Aldridge of Panama City, FL and Linda Cross of Monmouth; 13 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; grandson, Josh Aldridge and granddaughter, Makayla Aldridge; sister, Martha Lovitt. Visitation will be Thursday, April 2, 2015 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth where his family will be present from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Cremation will take place following the visitation. Graveside committal services with Military Honors will be Saturday, April 4, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Warren County Memorial Park. Memorials may be given the Disabled American Veterans.