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John Edgar Tilford
Date Of Birth:August 27, 1928
Date Of Death:October 31, 2010
Service Date:November 4, 2010

John Edgar Tilford, age 82 of Bloomington passed away Sunday October 31, 2010 at the Bloomington Hospital. John was born on August 27, 1928 in Martinsville, Indiana to Edgar Lockhart Tilford and Pauline Riley Tilford. Edgar had started a new job in Lansing, Michigan so Pauline stayed at her parents’ home in Martinsville awaiting the arrival of the new baby. Pauline had a sister Nellie, and Nellie’s boyfriend drove Pauline to the hospital. John was named after that boyfriend, John Wooden, whom later married Nellie. John spent his school years in Webster Groves, Missouri where he also earned the rank of Eagle Scout and Order of Arrow. After graduation he served in the Unites States Marine Corp during World War II. He then attended Butler University Pharmacy School, graduating in 1953. While attending Butler, he married Lois Pritchard on November 7, 1950. John’s first job as a pharmacist was in Alexandria, Indiana, and also worked as a pharmacy representative for Eli Lilly in Jacksonville, Florida. Moving back to Missouri, he worked for Nuclear Consultants. He worked with the procedures involving the use of radioactive isotopes in surgical treatments. The owner of Nuclear Consultants was the young scientist who worked on the Manhattan Project. Nuclear Consultants was later sold to Monsanto. John returned to his work as a pharmacist and moved to Bloomington in 1965 where he worked for Family Pharmacy. He continued to work for various pharmacies before retiring from CVS Pharmacy. John loved fishing, especially “trout fly fishing” at Bennett Springs Missouri. His love of fly fishing was passed down to his children who continue to share John’s passion with family and friends. To this day many young families from the Bloomington area travel to Bennett Springs to enjoy the fly fishing John so dearly loved. John was a member of Phi Delta Theta, E.T. Carson Masonic Lodge of Cincinnati Ohio, Bloomington Elks Lodge #446, American Legion, and First Christian Church. He is survived by wife, Lois and four children; Terri Anderson (John) of Bloomington, Tim Tilford (Barb) of New Harmony, Trent Tilford (Carolyn) of Bloomington, and Robyn Fisk (Brian) of Seekonk, MA. Eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren and two sisters Polly McDonough of Canton, MO, and Betty Schumert of Brentwood, MO. Funeral services for John will be held Thursday November 4, 2010 at 10:00Am at the Allen Funeral Home 4155 South Old Highway 37. Visitation will be on Wednesday November 3, 2010 from 5:00PM until 8:00PM at Allen Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org.


  • From: Billie Carol Link Moore
    Location:Bloomington

    My heart aches yet again. I will retain my fondest memeories or working at "Value Plus" with Mr. John Tilford. My happy and fondest memeory is of when I was allowed to help behind the drug counter, with Mr. Tilford "John" and eating Tuna salad with red onions which he always shared with me. John Tilford was a big man in my heart, his wonderful wife Lois and all the kids will always have a place in my heart. In my mind I will remember his warm and friendly happy smile. Lois, I know how your heart aches, and to all Tim, Terry, Robin and Trent may you find comfort in all of his memories from the friends and family that loved John. Whom were guided and advised, his kindheart lives on clearly in each of you. Thank you for the kind hearts that opened to the "Link" family the love we all shared, good times and the joys we will remember.


  • From: Pamela Howell Crowe
    Location:Indiana

    My heart goes out to Mrs. Tilford, Terri, Amanda and Melanie during this difficult time.


  • From: Julie Posson

    To all the Tilford Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I have a million fond memories of sleepovers with Robyn - Mr Tilford would come home with warm donuts to two girls he knew would be anxiously waiting for them. Days on the lake skiing. So many memories and so many jokes and a smile that could change any mood. What a wonderful man and family. You will be missed but not forgotten. Much Love, Julie Shepley Posson


  • From: Brad & Kathy Shepley
    Location:USA

    to the tilford family... you have lost a great assimulator.... how many has he brought to realize the beauty and joy of fishing a small stream in missouri... to be able to relax and enjoy... i thank him and will miss him


  • From: Jack & Kathy Strachan
    Location:Whitman, MA

    Dear Lois, Terry, Tim, Trent, and Robyn... I would like to send my sincere condolences on the loss of your husband and dad. I will always cherish the memories of my visits to Bloomington where John made me feel like part of his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Love, Jack & Kathy, Jack, Billy and Ryan


  • From: Joan and Linda Long
    Location:Bloomington

    We are so sorry for your loss. John was a special man who touched many lives. We have lots of happy memories of our time working with him at Value Plus. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. God bless.