Joe Waldrop Obituary

TUSCOLA - Ralph Joseph "Joe" Waldrop of Champaign, formerly of Tuscola, went to be with our heavenly father Tuesday (June 24, 2025).

Joe was born on the family farm west of Villa Grove on April 27, 1938. He was the fifth child of Ralph and Elizabeth Burrows Waldrop.

His parents; sisters, Ruth McIntosh and Betty Martin; and brothers, John and Gene Waldrop, preceded him in death. 

In 1965, Joe married Judith Harrell. She passed away from ALS disease in April 1998. Two children, Brian, who passed away from ALS in October 2016, and Lisa, presently living in Cincinnati, were born to that union.

In December 2001, Joe married M. Francis Cunningham-Benson, and she survives.

Joe is also survived by four stepchildren, Marcia Woolcott and Joseph, Stephen and Matthew Benson; numerous grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

Joe attended school in Tuscola, graduating in 1956. He served six years in the Illinois National Guard.

Joe's childhood ambition was to be a firefighter, a goal he achieved. He began his career as a volunteer in Tuscola. In June 1966, he became a firefighter with the University of Illinois, rising through the ranks to become battalion fire chief. He retired from the UI Fire Department in August 1996, having served 30 years plus two months.

Joe was an active member of the First Christian Church of Villa Grove, where he served as a deacon for several years. He was also a longtime member of First Christian on Staley Road in Champaign. He was admired and respected by all who knew him.

Joe enjoyed fishing and hunting as he was a lifetime member of the NRA. Joe and Fran enjoyed traveling in their motor home to Florida, Colorado, Texas and many places to see God's glorious world.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, at the Villa Grove First Christian Church, 701 N. Sycamore St., Villa Grove, with the Rev. Mike Zylstra officiating. Burial will follow in Tuscola Township Cemetery, Tuscola. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Villa Grove First Christian Church. 

Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, Tuscola, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at hilligossshraderfh.com.