Robert Francis "Bob" Aldridge

Robert (Bob) Francis Aldridge passed from this life at his home on an unusually warm and beautiful Friday afternoon, February 13, 2026, at 4:27 p.m., with his wife, daughter, and son in law at his side.

Born in Tyrone, Missouri, Bob grew up in Mountain Grove, Missouri, where he attended school. After graduating from high school in 1962, he enrolled at Missouri State University (then Southwest Missouri State University) in Springfield MO, working to pay his way through college. He excelled in mathematics.

In 1964, he met his future wife, Mary, in class at MSU. They were married on November 27, 1965, in Miller, Missouri.

After taking additional courses to gain expertise in the emerging field of computer technology, Bob began his career at Bendix. He later worked for several companies in Galveston, TX; Houston, TX; Oklahoma City, OK; and Kansas City, MO, ultimately retiring from Sprint in 2004.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lena Aldridge; and his brothers, Eddie Creson (Retired Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force) and Donald O. Aldridge (Retired Lieutenant General, U.S. Air Force).

He is survived by his wife, Mary, of the home; his daughter, Melissa (Christopher) McChesney of Independence, MO; two sisters, Eileen (Herb) Coffee of Ocean Springs, MS, and Eleanor Gullett of Marshfield, MO; and three brothers, Bill Aldridge of Peoria, IL, Jim Aldridge (Senior Airman Air Force) of Independence, MO, and Joe (Sharon) Aldridge (Master Chief Petty Officer, Navy) of Columbia, MO. Bob was deeply proud of his brothers who chose to serve in the military. He had a special connection with his wife's cousin, Michelle Chadwick of Mesa, AZ, and family. He is also survived by his adoring pet, Carma.

Bob and Mary loved traveling throughout their working years and even more after retirement. In 2004, they purchased an RV and enjoyed extended stays near Buena Vista, CO; the Outer Banks; and many other beautiful places across the United States. They also traveled to Alaska for a cruise and land tour, and visited England and France. Life was good.

Bob will be remembered for his reserved personality, quick wit, dry English style humor, and his love of teasing others. He and Mary enjoyed listening to country music bands and slow dancing, where they made many dear friends. He was a loyal fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals.

He loved reading authors such as Robert Ludlum, James Patterson, David Baldacci, and Lee Child. His hobbies included outdoor photography, collecting and using camera equipment, and tinkering with his desktop computer. Unforgettable memories were made traveling with friends and family.

An informal Remembrance Reception will be held at Longview Chapel Christian Church in the Long Hall on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Inurnment at Lee's Summit Historical Cemetery in Lee's Summit, Missouri, will take place at a later date.

The family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Wayside Waifs or the charity of your choice. The family is deeply grateful for the John Knox Village Hospice Care Team, especially hospice nurse Katie and CNA Erika.