One of Waltonville's oldest, best known and most highly respected citizens was called to his reward Friday evening.

William Marion Dudley, son of William and Anise Dudley was born in Bald Hill township, Jefferson County, Illinois, Feb. 1,1856, departed this life Feb. 22, 1946, age 90 years and 21 days.

On Nov. 14, 1879, Mr. Dudley was married to Miss Luran? Bartel Brayfield, who preceded him in death March 1, 1931.

He was also preceded in death by two daughters, Mrs. Gertrude Hester and Mrs. Ruth Howells.

He is survived by three children: Mrs. Mayme Hester, with whom he has made his home for many years; Mrs. Bertha Hetherington of Long Beach, Calif.; Dr. S. E. Dudley of Benton, Ill.; 15 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, two half-brothers and three half-sisters.

Professing faith in Christ in early married life, though not uniting with any church, he believed in the tenets of the Primitive Baptist church and patterned his daily living after The Golden Rule. "Uncle Dudley" is gone. And to those of us who knew him as neighbor and friend the lose will remain as a gap which can not not be filled. He made for himself in the community, a place different from any of the others. With the coming of spring, we shall miss him more and more. He loved the great out-doors and growing things. Never losing interest though his bodily strength had failed and this little poem would seem to have been written especially for him.

Open the door gently. Lord,
Let dear old Dad come in;
So open the door to him.

Set him a place at thy table,
Lord, He loves a bit of cheer;
To his old story often told,
Lend thou a willing ear,

Make him a bed where purple dawn,
Will touch his resting face;
You'll find him early up, dear Lord,
A gardening round the place.

Source: The Register-News
Submitted by: Cindy Ford