Ralph Earl Bachelor, 92, of Palestine, IL, died at 12:10 a.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2004 at the United Methodist Village, Lawrenceville, IL. He was born September 7, 1911 in Palestine, IL, the son of John Oliver Bachelor and Nettie Martin Bachelor. He owned and operated the Custom Shop later known as Bachelor's Cleaners in Palestine for 54 years. He attended the University of Illinois. He served in the U. S. Army in Europe during WWII. He was one of the original members and organizer of the Palestine Chamber of Commerce and was Man of the Year of the Chamber. He was also a member of the Palestine AmVets Post #33, Robinson V. F. W. Post #4549, Robinson American Legion Post #69, Crawford County Historical Society, Robinson Elks BPOE Lodge #1188, and a 50 year member of the Palestine Masonic Lodge #849.
He married Sarah McGee and she preceded him in death on February 16, 1985. He was also preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his cousins, Billie Bachelor, Robinson, Betty Manley, Orlando, FL, Ruth Waldrop, Robinson, Martin Bachelor, FL, and Rose Buttery, Terre Haute, IN; his nephew, Mike McGee, Mesa, AZ; and special friend, Rhea Glenn, Robinson.
Graveside services will be Monday, July 5, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at the Palestine Cemetery, Palestine, IL with Rev. James Delaney III is officiating. The Robinson American Legion Post #69, Robinson V. F. W. Post #4549, Palestine AmVets Post #33 will conduct military graveside services. Visitation will be Sunday, July 4th from 5-7 p.m. at the Goodwine Funeral Home, Palestine with Masonic services at 7:00 p.m. conducted by the Palestine Masonic Lodge # 849. Memorials may be made to the organization of the donor's choice