Photo courtesy of Collier’s Funeral Home - Saint Ann
Saint Ann, Missouri
Feb 22, 1930 – Mar 15, 2023
William F. Walbridge (Bill), fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, entered into eternal life on March 15, 2023 at the age of 93.
He was married to his beloved wife Marianne (nee Bubash) from 1962 until her death in 2003. Bill was the father of Matt (Amy Ferch), Liz (Mike) Tabaka, Julie (Patrick) Dwyer, Tom, and John (Fernanda Morales), and grandfather to Colleen (Dan) Shaw, Keith, Bryan, and Max. Bill was preceded in death by siblings Mary Jane (Gordon) Duniven and Robert (Darline).
Born to Robert J. and Helen (nee Block) Walbridge of Walnut Park, Bill attended Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School before moving to Ferguson and attending Sts. John and James Catholic School. He graduated from McBride High School in 1948. Drafted during the Korean War from 1951-53, he trained at Camp Pendleton, then served in Korea with the 1st Marine Division, Ordinance Battalion, Ammunition Co. He finished his tour of duty as a recruit instructor with the rank of Corporal. He then attended Washington University. Bill worked for Mallinckrodt's Uranium Division in St. Louis and Weldon Springs, for Monsanto’s Organic Food and Fine Grains Division at the Creve Coeur Research Ctr., and retired in 1995 after 25 years in research and development with Petrolite in Webster Groves.
In 1981, Bill was ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese of St. Louis by Archbishop John L. May. He served in the Airport Chaplaincy, at St. Lawrence the Martyr (Bridgeton), and at Assumption (O’Fallon) until retiring in 2012. He also served as chaplain for American Legion Post No. 641. Bill enjoyed world travels and road trips, tinkering and carpentry, movies and live theater, Seinfeld, Cheers and The Office, and he loved his Waffle House and McDonald’s. Intelligent, gentle, sentimental, fun-loving, and faith-filled, Bill loved sharing good times, laughs, and stories with everyone he met.
Visitation from 9:30-10:30am on Friday, March 31, 2023 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 403 N. Main Street, O’Fallon MO 63366. Funeral Mass will immediately follow (and will be live streamed at https://assumptionbvm.org). Internment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Read MoreThe light of the world is a bit dimmer without you Dear Uncle Bill. I have so many wonderful memories of you. One year for Christmas you gave me my first pair of "real "leather gloves. And I still have them. You and Aunt Marianne took such good care of my Mom and I am truly grateful. I know God is so happy to have you back home. I love you Uncle Bill. Rest easy
Mary "Patty" Thomas
March 28, 2023 | Family
Bill was a gentle man with a great sense of humor. I loved talking with him. I share a photo of Bill and his wife, my sister, Marianne (deceased).
Donna Bubash
March 27, 2023 | Family
I had the pleasure of meeting Bill when I started work at Petrolite in 1979, fresh out of school. We car pooled together from Bridgetown to Webster Groves. We both had VW beetles, Biil bright orange super-beetle much nicer (and more reliable) than my `65. I remember Bill as a very spiritual man, strong Catholic, caring, gentle spirit, and calm demeanor, unless we talked politics! Many a day we were all worked up before ever arriving at work. I have no doubt Bill is at peace right now and in...
Kevin McCarthy
March 27, 2023 | Friend
I fondly remember Deacon Bill greeting us after mass. He was always caring and kind with a fine sense of humor. He will be greatly missed. I have had some masses said in his remembrance.
Charlie Loewe
March 27, 2023 | Other
I’m so sorry for the family’s loss. I only had the opportunity to spend time with Bill on a few occasions and Matt & Amy’s place. Such a good, kind and family focused man. I’m sure he will be missed and most fondly remembered.
Joan Ferch
March 25, 2023 | Prospect, KY | Friend
God grant Bill eternal happiness in heaven. He gave his best always. He and Marianne gave the world wonderful children. He walked the walk and showed true strength. May he enjoy his reward.
Jeanine Pelikan
March 23, 2023 | St. Louis, MO | Family
Thanks for the chance to know your Dad. He had a great sense of humor and was a very talented individual. May he rest in peace.
Barbara Peach
March 22, 2023 | St. Louis, MO | Friend
My dear Mr. Bill/dad, I miss you so much. I will never forget our fun conversations and happy moments together. You have been a true blessing in my life. ♥
Fer Morales
March 21, 2023 | Carpinteria, CA | Family
Bill we will miss you, but know you are once again with the love of your life, Marianne. Lou and Angie
Lou and Angie Menard
March 21, 2023 | Friend
