Arden Pridgeon, 95, of St Joseph, passed away peacefully at his home on March 16. Arden was born in Weidman, MI, on April 5, 1924 to Samuel and Myrtie (Thompson) Pridgeon.
He served in the US Army as a Staff Sergeant with the 96th Infantry Division from 1943 to 1946 and fought in Leyte and Okinawa. He was awarded the Purple Heart with two bronze oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medals, WWII Victory Medal and Presidential Unit Citation. Later in life he began attending Reunions of his 96th Infantry Division (Deadeyes) and participating in Lest We Forget Educational events.
Arden had a BS in Mechanical Engineering and MA in Business both from Michigan State University. He was employed by Benton Harbor Malleable for over 16 years as an engineer and supervisor. Following this, he became a professor in engineering for Western Michigan University until his retirement in 1989. After retirement he enjoyed traveling, volunteering, and supporting the local casinos.
He was a member of the Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, St Joseph Lion’s Club, Lest We Forget, Caring Circle veteran presentations and Jail Ministry.
Arden is survived by his children – Ruth (John) Stanton of North Carolina, Ron (Sue) Pridgeon of Illinois, Linda Barker of Bridgman, Jane (Scott) Lindsey of Temperance, Bill (Mary Jane) Pridgeon of Lambertville, and Joe (Noralyn) Pridgeon of Portage, 15 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Arden was preceded in death by his wife Vada, and siblings Artheda Pridgeon DeWitt, Marvin Pridgeon, Monty Pridgeon and half-siblings Inola ‘Peggy’ Pridgeon McClain, Stanley Ivan Pridgeon and Idan Morris Pridgeon.
Due to current circumstances, there will be a private burial.
A Celebration of Life and a Memorial Mass in honor of his many accomplishments and lives he touched will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to: Lest We Forget, St Joseph Catholic Church, St Joseph-Lincoln Senior Center or Caring Circle of Lakeland. Those wishing to sign Arden’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.