SFC (Ret) Elmer Donald Bilderback

Elmer Donald Bilderback passed away March 19, 2010, at his home near Plato, Missouri, at the age of 76. Don was the son of the late James Elmer Bilderback and Dora (Holland) Bilderback, a full blood Cherokee Indian. He was born March 15, 1934, at Caruthersville, Missouri, in Pemiscot County. Don was the youngest of nine children. In the early 1950’s, Don entered the U.S. Army. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars and served three tours in Germany. For his faithful and honorable service, Don was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with palm, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Driver Safety Badge, Driver Qualification Drivers Badge, Expert Badge M-16 and the Good Conduct Medal (6th award), along with many other awards and commendations. After nearly 29 years of service to his country, SFC Bilderback retired from active duty service in 1982 at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. On March 12, 1960 in Caruthersville, Don was united in marriage with Norita Shaffer. Don and Norita shared over 47 years of marriage and were blessed with four children: LaDonna, Susan, Lisa and Donald Anthony. Norita preceded Don in death on October 13, 2007. When Don retired from the military, he took a civil service position at Ft. Leonard Wood as a bus driver for troop transportation. He retired on March 5, 2009. Don was a member of the Roby Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post 559, Roby and the Harry Herron Memorial Disabled American Veterans Chapter 49, Crocker. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing. He was a pro wrestling fan and he liked the older programs on TVLand. Don was dearly loved and will be sadly missed by his children: LaDonna Bilderback of Plato, Susan Szuszka and husband, SSG (Ret) Timothy, of San Antonio, Texas, Lisa Bilderback of Plato, and husband, SPC Daniel Williamson, stationed in Iraq, and MA1 Donald Anthony Bilderback stationed in San Diego, CA; four grandchildren: SPC Timothy Szuszka and wife, Courtney, PVT Shilo Szuszka, 2LT Ariel “Missy” Bush, and husband, SGT Gary, and Norita Bilderback; one sister: Dorcie Walker of Kennett; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his wife and his parents, Don was preceded in death by seven siblings. Funeral services were held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, March 22, 2010 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory with CH (MAJ) Ryan Sarenpa officiating. The songs “Amazing Grace”, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” and “If Tomorrow Never Comes’ were played. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Serving as honorary escorts were Jimmy Shaffer, William Bell, Ricky Bell, Robert Shaffer, Jr., Buddy Strain, Patrick Wadley, Timothy Szuszka, Bubba Wright, Richard Harris, Jeremy Cheramie, Timothy Revell Szuszka, Eugene Davis and Gary Bush. Burial with military honors followed in the Palace Cemetery of Evening Shade, Missouri. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Elmer Bilderback to the St. James Veterans Home or the Harry L. Herron Memorial D.A.V. of Crocker and may be left at the funeral home.

SFC (Ret) Elmer Donald Bilderback

March 15, 1934 - March 19, 2010