Wood River

Wilford Liley, 94, passed away on April 30, 2018 at Alton Memorial Hospital after a very brief stay.  Wilford was born on March 26, 1924 to the late Raleigh and Emma (McCormick) Liley in Lutesville, Missouri.

On August 29, 1944, Wilford married Roberta Mae Partridge in Buckroe Beach, Virginia.  They were married for 44 years until her death on August 7, 1988. They were blessed with a son, James, and a daughter, Starla.

Wilford was a World War II veteran and served in the 1409 ^th Army Air Forces from August 19, 1943 through March 11, 1946 and was Honorably Discharged.  While serving his country he was a B-17 gunner and also served in the Military Police during his European deployment.  He was awarded 2 Overseas Service Bars, an American Campaign Medal, a European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and a World War II Victory Medal.

Wilford worked for the City of Wood River for over 30 years.  He was active in the Alton Seventh Day Adventist church for many years where he taught Bible lesson studies and served as Deacon and Elder.

Wilford will be missed by many but especially by his family: his son, James Liley of Denver, CO; his daughter and son-in-law, Starla and Greg Johnson of O'Fallon, MO; his two grandchildren, Lauren and Andrea Liley of Denver, CO;  a sister, Jewel McLain of Jackson, MO.

In addition to his wife and parents, Wilford was preceded in death by his five brothers, Ercell, Eldon, Milford – his twin, Roy Eugene and Raleigh, Jr.; two sisters, Mildred Williamson and Wanda Bilauski.

A celebration of Wilford's life will be from 5 p.m to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 3, 2018 at Gray Funeral Home in Wood River, where services will be at 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, 2018.   Pastor Dale Barnhurst will officiate.

Burial is at Wanda Cemetery in So. Roxana.

Memorials may be given to The American Cancer Society, Alton SDA Church or charity of choice.