Wilbur Bagby
Alton |
Wilbur Eugene Bagby, 88, passed away in hospice at Alton Memorial Hospital after a short illness. Born August 23, 1921 in St. Louis, MO, he attended St. Louis public schools and became a track stand out. He attended Butler University and Southern Illinois University.
In 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was an aerial radio gunner. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, six bronze star medals and nine air medals for 70 combat missions in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Yugoslavia and Greece. On January 27, 1951, he married Mary L. Grindstaff. She preceded him in death.
He retired from McDonnell Douglas after 30 years. An avid runner, he belonged to the Alton Road Runners and the St. Louis Track Club. He ran his last marathon at the age of 77. Surviving are five children and their spouses; Benault and Shirley Bagby of Springfield, IL, Rebecca Bagby of St. Louis, MO, Barbara Bagby-Zimmerman and Stanley Zimmerman, Brian and Cathy Bagby, and Bruce Bagby, all of Alton; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
There will be no visitation or service. He donated his body to Washington University Medical School. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.
In 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was an aerial radio gunner. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, six bronze star medals and nine air medals for 70 combat missions in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Yugoslavia and Greece. On January 27, 1951, he married Mary L. Grindstaff. She preceded him in death.
He retired from McDonnell Douglas after 30 years. An avid runner, he belonged to the Alton Road Runners and the St. Louis Track Club. He ran his last marathon at the age of 77. Surviving are five children and their spouses; Benault and Shirley Bagby of Springfield, IL, Rebecca Bagby of St. Louis, MO, Barbara Bagby-Zimmerman and Stanley Zimmerman, Brian and Cathy Bagby, and Bruce Bagby, all of Alton; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
There will be no visitation or service. He donated his body to Washington University Medical School. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.
Obit Provided By:
Gent Funeral Home
Gent Funeral Home
