Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
About
FUNERAL HOME
William Walbridge Obituary
Walbridge, William (Bill) Francis
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 grandpa 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 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). 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.
Services: Visitation from 9:30-10:30 a.m. 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). Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Memories and Condolences
for William Walbridge
9 Entries
Mary "Patty" Thomas
March 28, 2023
The 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
Donna Bubash
March 27, 2023
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).
Kevin McCarthy
March 27, 2023
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 God´s ever loving presence. He was a good man. Kevin McCarthy
Charlie Loewe
March 27, 2023
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.
Joan Ferch
March 25, 2023
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.
Jeanine Pelikan
March 23, 2023
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.
Barbara Peach
March 22, 2023
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.
Fer Morales
March 21, 2023
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. ♥
Lou and Angie Menard
March 21, 2023
Bill we will miss you, but know you are once again with the love of your life, Marianne.
Lou and Angie
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in William Walbridge's name
Memorial Events
for William Walbridge
Mar
31
Visitation
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
403 N. Main Street, O’Fallon, MO
Mar
31
Funeral Mass
10:30 a.m.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
403 N. Main Street, O’Fallon, MO
Funeral services provided by:
Collier’s Funeral Home - Saint Ann3400 North Lindberg Blvd. , Saint Ann, MO 63074-2103
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Walbridge's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more