William Pedigo Sr.

MCGEE, Mo. -- William Harlen Pedigo Sr., 88, of McGee passed away Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2005, at Advance Nursing Center in Advance, Mo.

He was born Dec. 9, 1917, at Jackson, son of Albert Harvey "Grant" and Nancy Adaline Kesterson Pedigo. Bill and Evelyn Francis Riley were married Dec. 18, 1943. She preceded him in death July 18, 1984.

Bill was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving in the African Campaign and the Anzio landing in Italy.

He retired from the building trades, farming and the railroad. Bill was a believer in Jesus Christ. He served as a Sunday school teacher 40 years and held the office of deacon at Brush Creek Missionary Baptist Church in the McGee/Zalma community.

Survivors include two daughters, Nancy Evelyn Dirck of Clovis, N.M., Mary Overton of McGee; a sister, Merle Kuenzle of Shook, Mo.; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, William H. Pedigo Jr.; a granddaughter; and three brothers.

Friends may call at Morgan Funeral Home in Advance from 5 to 8 p.m. today. A Masonic service will be held at 7:30.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dan Overton and the Rev. Ben Overton officiating. Burial will be in McGee New Hope Cemetery, with full military honors.