Walter “Ellis” Aldridge was born July 23, 1939, in Okay, Oklahoma to L.L. and Georgie Glee (Austin) Aldridge.  He passed away July 21, 2026, two days before his 87th birthday.

Ellis grew up in Wagoner, Oklahoma.  He started working in the bakery at age 13.  While working there he developed a distaste of chocolate.  In school, he was known as the prankster which he continued throughout his lifetime.

After his marriage to Doris (Marsellis), he worked at Ann’s Bakery in Tulsa.  He later became a machinist at Walter O’Bannon’s where they made bolts for spacecraft, some of which are on the moon still today.  While working there, he got into trouble a few times with his pranks.

After leaving Walter O’Bannon’s, he went to Sunset School of Preaching in Lubbock, Texas.  He did mission work in New England and after five years, returned to Oklahoma ministering in Henryetta, Nicoma Park and Wellston.  Following retirement, he enjoyed woodworking, cabinetry and making peanut and pecan brittle.

Ellis was preceded in death by his parents, L.L. and Georgie Glee Aldridge; siblings, Clifford Aldridge who died in WWII when Ellis was only 4, Edith Meeks, Ray Aldridge, and Melva Jean Hall.  Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Doris Aldridge of the home; children, Robert Aldridge and wife Jeannie of Choctaw, Cliff Aldridge and wife DeeAnn of OKC, Kathy Mowles and husband Danny of OKC; (11) grandchildren, (20) great-grandchildren, (1) great-great-grandchild; along with other family and friends.

A funeral will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Edmond Church of Christ with interment following in the Wellston Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston.