NEW CASTLE
Ira D. Aldredge left this world on February 11, and entered Heaven in a perfected body, free of the physical restrictions and pain that plagued him as he endured Parkinson’s Disease caused by Agent Orange. He was born in Akerman, Mississippi to William and Maudie (Null) Aldredge on August 14, 1946. Ira was the third of four children and remains close to his brother, Jerry Aldredge of California, sisters, Mary Larson of Nebraska, and Sue Mundt of New Jersey. He robbed the cradle and married Joyce Hamilton in December 1965. Shortly after their honeymoon, he was drafted. Ira became a proud member of the United States Marine Corp and served in Vietnam. He was wounded in battle, but refused his purple heart. Ironically, he didn’t believe his injury merited such an honor. Ira and Joyce moved their young family from California to Indiana in 1973. He worked odd jobs until he was hired by Allegheny Ludlum in 1974. He later earned an Associate degree from Ivy Tech in heating and air conditioning. He never started his own business as planned, but kept his skills by doing jobs for family and friends. Ira retired from Allegheny after 30 years of faithful employment. Ira and Joyce attended Greensboro Church of the Nazarene where he served in many roles. He was Caravan leader, Sunday School teacher, usher, board member and drove the church bus. He later attended Fortville Nazarene and for the last 10 years has been a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Greenfield. He enjoyed all the revivals, trips and events while attending Bethel.
Ira enjoyed travel, dining out, gospel concerts and watching his grandchildren participate in all their activities. He like to bike, walk, exercise while he was healthy. Ira liked a good joke, especially Chuck Norris and blonde jokes. He enjoyed spending time and attending church with his lady friend and sweet heart, Dorothy Cheshier. Ira is preceded in death by his wife and parents. He is survived by daughter, Kellie King, son, Tom Aldredge, son-in-law, Brad King and daughter-in-law, Erin Aldredge; grandsons, Conner King, Spencer King, Carter Aldredge, Evan Aldredge, the apple of his eye and only granddaughter, Addison Aldredge; “babe”, Dorothy Cheshier; brother, Jerry Aldredge, sisters, Mary (Ralph) Larson, Sue (Dennis Parks) Mundt and brother-in-law, Johnnie (Cris) Hamilton. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 17, 2020 at Sproles Family Funeral Home with Pastor Tommy Hensley officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hills Memory Gardens with military honors conducted by contingents from the USMC and American Legion Post 137. Friends may call from 3 – 7 p.m., Sunday, February 16, 2020 at the funeral home. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Ira Aldredge.
