William J. Dryden

William “Bill” J. Dryden of St. Charles, MO, passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the age of 94. Beloved husband of 72 years to the late Shirley Jo Dryden (nee Jeffries); devoted son of the late Emery and Agnes Dryden; cherished father of Gina (Larry) Shephard, Ronda (The late David Ray) Wiechens; loving grandfather of Marci, Dan (Maria), Kristin (RJ), and DJ (Angela); loving great-grandfather of Micayla, Levi, Wyatt, Ella, James, Brayden, Emmy, Melissa, and Lorelai; treasured friend of his beloved dog, Joe Jo; he loved many nieces and nephews. William was preceded in death by his two sons, Joseph Allen Dryden and David Lynn Dryden, and his sister, Virginia Robertson.

Bill loyally served in the U.S. Navy Reserves and dedicated 40 years of his career to McDonnell Douglas, now Boeing. A true jack-of-all-trades, he had a talent for fixing things and found joy in carpentry and woodworking. In his free time, he loved doing puzzles and playing games on the computer. His greatest pride was his 6-acre farm in Elsberry, where he and Shirley tended a large garden and he enjoyed time on his tractor. Bill also loved dancing, especially line dancing and the two-step. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Memorials may be made in Bill's name to Humane Society.