Clyde E. Eskridge

Canton – Clyde E. Eskridge, 98, passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Walnut Terrace in Canton.

He was born on January 7, 1926 in Lewistown to Lawrence and Mary (Grigsby) Eskridge. They preceded him in death.

Surviving are his children, Richard (Stephanie) Eskridge of Phoenix City, AL, Joyce (Ed) Sale of Springfield, IL, Michael (Mary Jo) Eskridge of Canton, Cheryl (Ted) Bayard of Pekin, IL, Brian (Marnie) Eskridge of Lewistown, Brad (Jessica) Eskridge of Canton, fifteen grandchildren, several great grandchildren and sister-in-law, Shirley Eskridge.

Also preceding him in death is one son C.D. “Buck” Eskridge and one brother, Bill Eskridge.

Clyde graduated from Lewistown High School in 1943 and was inducted into the U.S. Navy in early 1944. Following boot camp and a short session with the Electrical engineers he was transferred to Oakland CA, and then to the South Pacific where he had duties on LST 922 and served transporting soldiers, equipment and supplies to and from many ports during WWII. The ship was in Okinawa at the time of the signing of the WWII Armistice in Japan. He was discharged in late June of 1946 and was then employed at Spoon River Electric until early 1950. He then assisted in the incorporation and expansion of the modern telephone services to various rural areas. He worked as manager of Mid-Century Telephone for 52 years retiring in 2002. Clyde was involved in the Lewistown Masonic Lodge #104 AF and AM and along with the Peoria Consistory. He was a member of the Lewistown VFW, Canton American Legion and the 1st Presbyterian Church of Lewistown. He enjoyed big band music. He enjoyed collecting various items including, “Hot Wheels cars”, and going for his daily walks. Clyde had many friends and business associates.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 10-11 am at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton with a funeral to follow at 11am at the funeral home.

Burial will follow at Oak-Hill Cemetery in Lewistown where military rites will be accorded.

Memorials may be made to Lewistown Masonic Lodge of Lewistown or to 1st Presbyterian Church of Lewistown.

To view Clyde’s video tribute or to leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com