Donald Aldridge

Donald Frank Aldridge, 92, of Gentry, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2024, at the Siloam Springs Regional Hospital in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. 

Donald was born September 4, 1932, in Bellport, New York, to parents Frank and Ruth Aldridge. He met his wife, Lillian Rupracht, while both were attending the Atlantic Union College of Massachusetts. They married on June 5, 1955, and shared 69 and a half adventurous years together. Those who knew him often said he filled a space larger than life. A people’s person that loved an audience, he was a great storyteller, with plenty of life experiences to draw from. In his younger days, he enjoyed snake hunting and scuba diving. His entire career was spent serving through the Seventh-day Adventist Church world organization including 15 years as a missionary. He served in New York, Florida, Singapore (Far Eastern Academy) and Borneo, as a teacher, principal and pastor. He served as Educational Superintendent and Youth Director for the Ontario-Quebec conference in Canada, until moving to Chile, South America, where he served as Youth Director for the Chile Union Conference, Department Director for the South Austral Conference and then as President of the North Chile Mission. Donald served the rest of his career in Trust Services as an estate planner for the Texico and Florida Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. In retirement he volunteered for 16 years as a deputy sheriff chaplain and was proud of wearing the badge – even at home. An avid nature lover, Donald was an experienced and expert reptile handler and collector. He was an avid reader able to read an entire book in one sitting. He was a Ham Radio operator and found over 2000 coins with his metal detectors. Additionally, he was a passionate collector of all things and was known on a first name basis on his weekly thrift stores route. Those who knew him will miss his sharp sense of humor and ornery nature. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lillian, one son, Rick Aldridge and wife Jean; one daughter, Rhonda Aldridge Schmidt and husband Ken; one brother, Rus Aldridge and wife Marilyn; one daughter-in-law, Maria Estanque; and three grandchildren, Andrew Aldridge, Richard Aldridge, and Samantha Schmidt. 

He is preceded in death by his parents and firstborn son, Randy Aldridge. 

The arrangements for cremation were entrusted to Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Siloam Springs, AR. To honor his wish to not have a public memorial service, the family had a private celebration of life for him on Thanksgiving day, November 28, 2024.