Wood River (Madison County, IL)

Notable Births & Deaths for Wood River ...

Below is our list of notable people who were born, died or were buried in the area surrounding Wood River. Please note that while we are collecting data on an ongoing basis, it's a big task and it's unlikely that our list will ever be more than a sample.

Joseph H. 'Joe' Astroth, Sr. (Major League Baseball)
- He was born in East Alton (IL) on September 1, 1922 (a Friday) and died in Boca Raton (FL) on May 3, 2013 (a Friday).
- East Alton is located nearby and to the northwest of Wood River.
- Boca Raton is located in Palm Beach County, Florida.
- At the time of his death, he was 90.
- He is buried at South Florida National Cemetery, which is located in Palm Beach County, Florida.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for Joseph H. 'Joe' Astroth, Sr.<1>
- The Find-A-Grave entry for South Florida National Cemetery
- Google driving directions:
- From your current location to South Florida National Cemetery (Patience, this may take a moment).
- From Wood River to South Florida National Cemetery
Charles Arthur Bassett, II (Astronaut)
- He was born in Dayton (OH) on December 30, 1931 (a Wednesday) and died in Berkeley (MO) on February 28, 1966 (a Monday).
- Dayton is located in Montgomery County, Ohio.
- Berkeley is located in Saint Louis County and is 15 miles [24.1 km] to the southwest of Wood River (which is located in Madison County).
- At the time of his death, he was 34.
- He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, which is located in Arlington County, Virginia.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for Charles Arthur Bassett, II<1>
- The Find-A-Grave entry for Arlington National Cemetery
- Google driving directions:
- From your current location to Arlington National Cemetery (Patience, this may take a moment).
- From Wood River to Arlington National Cemetery
Buddy Blattner (Major League Baseball, sportscaster)
- Full name: Robert Garnett Blattner
- He was born in Saint Louis (MO) on February 8, 1920 (a Sunday) and died in Chesterfield (MO) on September 4, 2009 (a Friday).
- Saint Louis is located in and is 17 miles [27.4 km] to the south of Wood River (which is located in Madison County).
- Chesterfield is located in Saint Louis County and is 29 miles [46.7 km] to the southwest of Wood River (which is located in Madison County).
- At the time of his death, he was 89.
- He is buried at Memorial Park Cemetery, located 14 miles [22.5 km] to the southwest of Wood River. The cemetery is located in Saint Louis County, Missouri.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for Buddy Blattner<1>
- The Find-A-Grave entry for Memorial Park Cemetery
- Google driving directions:
- From your current location to Memorial Park Cemetery (Patience, this may take a moment).
- From Wood River to Memorial Park Cemetery
Stephen K. Burks (Actor)
- He was born in Belleville (IL) on July 5, 1956 (a Thursday) and died in Los Angeles (CA) on November 28, 1992 (a Saturday).
- Belleville is located in Saint Clair County and is 24 miles [38.6 km] to the south of Wood River (which is located in Madison County).
- Los Angeles is located in Los Angeles County, California.
- At the time of his death, he was 36.
- He is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park - Hollywood Hills, which is located in Los Angeles County, California.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for Stephen K. Burks<1>
- The Find-A-Grave entry for Forest Lawn Memorial Park - Hollywood Hills
- Google driving directions:
- From your current location to Forest Lawn Memorial Park - Hollywood Hills (Patience, this may take a moment).
- From Wood River to Forest Lawn Memorial Park - Hollywood Hills
Gerty Theresa Radnitz Cori (Biochemist and Nobel prize recipient)
- She was born in Prague (Czech Republic) on August 15, 1896 (a Saturday) and died in Glendale (MO) on October 26, 1957 (a Saturday).
- Glendale is located in Saint Louis County and is 24 miles [38.6 km] to the southwest of Wood River (which is located in Madison County).
- At the time of her death, she was 61.
- She is buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery, located 14 miles [22.5 km] to the southwest of Wood River. The cemetery is located in Saint Louis City, Missouri.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for Gerty Theresa Radnitz Cori<1>
- The Find-A-Grave entry for Bellefontaine Cemetery
- Google driving directions:
- From your current location to Bellefontaine Cemetery (Patience, this may take a moment).
- From Wood River to Bellefontaine Cemetery
Miles Davis (Musician)
- He was born in Alton (IL) on May 26, 1926 (a Wednesday) and died in Santa Barbara (CA) on September 28, 1991 (a Saturday).
- Alton is located nearby and to the northwest of Wood River.
- Santa Barbara is located in Santa Barbara County, California.
- At the time of his death, he was 65.
- He is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery, which is located in Bronx County, New York.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for Miles Davis<1>
- The Find-A-Grave entry for Woodlawn Cemetery
- Google driving directions:
- From your current location to Woodlawn Cemetery (Patience, this may take a moment).
- From Wood River to Woodlawn Cemetery
Buddy Ebsen (Actor, dancer)
- Full name: Christian Ludolf Ebsen, Jr.
- He was born in Belleville (IL) on April 2, 1908 (a Thursday) and died in Torrance (CA) on July 6, 2003 (a Sunday).
- Belleville is located in Saint Clair County and is 24 miles [38.6 km] to the south of Wood River (which is located in Madison County).
- Torrance is located in Los Angeles County, California.
- At the time of his death, he was 95.
- He is buried at Pacific Crest Cemetery, which is located in Los Angeles County, California.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for Buddy Ebsen<1>
- The Find-A-Grave entry for Pacific Crest Cemetery
- Google driving directions:
- From your current location to Pacific Crest Cemetery (Patience, this may take a moment).
- From Wood River to Pacific Crest Cemetery
Arthur Fletcher (Major League Baseball)
- He was born in Collinsville (IL) on January 5, 1885 (a Monday) and died in Los Angeles (CA) on February 6, 1950 (a Monday).
- Collinsville is located 14 miles [22.5 km] to the south of Wood River. Both communities are located in Madison County.
- Los Angeles is located in Los Angeles County, California.
- At the time of his death, he was 65.
- He is buried at Glenwood Cemetery, located 14 miles [22.5 km] to the south southeast of Wood River. The cemetery is located in Madison County, Illinois.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for Arthur Fletcher<1>
- The Find-A-Grave entry for Glenwood Cemetery
- Google driving directions:
- From your current location to Glenwood Cemetery (Patience, this may take a moment).
- From Wood River to Glenwood Cemetery
Elizabeth Flournoy (Actress)
- She was born in Saint Charles (MO) on November 18, 1886 (a Thursday) and died in Los Angeles (CA) on August 14, 1977 (a Sunday).
- Saint Charles is located in Saint Charles County and is 24 miles [38.6 km] to the west of Wood River (which is located in Madison County).
- Los Angeles is located in Los Angeles County, California.
- At the time of her death, she was 90.
- She is buried at Rose Hills Memorial Park, which is located in Los Angeles County, California.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for Elizabeth Flournoy<1>
- The Find-A-Grave entry for Rose Hills Memorial Park
- Google driving directions:
- From your current location to Rose Hills Memorial Park (Patience, this may take a moment).
- From Wood River to Rose Hills Memorial Park
James Franciscus (Actor)
- Full name: James Grover Franciscus
- He was born in Clayton (MO) on January 31, 1934 (a Wednesday) and died in North Hollywood (CA) on July 8, 1991 (a Monday).
- Clayton is located in Saint Louis County and is 20 miles [32.2 km] to the southwest of Wood River (which is located in Madison County).
- North Hollywood is located in Los Angeles County, California.
- At the time of his death, he was 57.
- The body was cremated.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for James Franciscus<1>
Owen Lacey 'Red' Friend, Jr. (Major League Baseball)
- He was born in Granite City (IL) on March 21, 1927 (a Monday) and died in Wichita (KS) on October 14, 2007 (a Sunday).
- Granite City is located 11 miles [17.7 km] to the south of Wood River. Both communities are located in Madison County.
- Wichita is located in Sedgwick County, Kansas.
- At the time of his death, he was 80.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for Owen Lacey 'Red' Friend, Jr.<1>
Harry 'The Horse' Gallatin (Professional basketball)
- Full name: Harry Junior Gallatin
- He was born in Roxana (IL) on April 26, 1927 (a Tuesday) and died in Edwardsville (IL) on October 7, 2015 (a Wednesday).
- Roxana is located nearby and to the southeast of Wood River.
- Edwardsville is located 7 miles [11.3 km] to the southeast of Wood River. Both communities are located in Madison County.
- At the time of his death, he was 88.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for Harry 'The Horse' Gallatin<1>
Jessie Love Smtih Gaynor (Composer, teacher)
- She was born in Saint Louis (MO) on February 17, 1863 (a Tuesday) and died in Webster Groves (MO) on February 20, 1921 (a Sunday).
- Saint Louis is located in and is 17 miles [27.4 km] to the south of Wood River (which is located in Madison County).
- Webster Groves is located in Saint Louis County and is 23 miles [37 km] to the southwest of Wood River (which is located in Madison County).
- At the time of her death, she was 58.
- She is buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery, located 14 miles [22.5 km] to the southwest of Wood River. The cemetery is located in Saint Louis City, Missouri.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for Jessie Love Smtih Gaynor<1>
- The Find-A-Grave entry for Bellefontaine Cemetery
- Google driving directions:
- From your current location to Bellefontaine Cemetery (Patience, this may take a moment).
- From Wood River to Bellefontaine Cemetery
Herbert Lester 'Cousin Herb' Henson (Musician)
- He was born in East Saint Louis (IL) on May 17, 1925 (a Sunday) and died in Bakersfield (CA) on November 26, 1963 (a Tuesday).
- East Saint Louis is located in Saint Clair County and is 16 miles [25.7 km] to the south of Wood River (which is located in Madison County).
- Bakersfield is located in Kern County, California.
- At the time of his death, he was 38.
- He is buried at Greenlawn Cemetery, which is located in Kern County, California.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for Herbert Lester 'Cousin Herb' Henson<1>
- The Find-A-Grave entry for Greenlawn Cemetery
- Google driving directions:
- From your current location to Greenlawn Cemetery (Patience, this may take a moment).
- From Wood River to Greenlawn Cemetery
Ernest Patrick 'Ernie' Hickman (Major League Baseball)
- He was born in East Saint Louis (IL) on April 18, 1856 (a Friday) and died in East Saint Louis (IL) on November 19, 1891 (a Thursday).
- East Saint Louis is located in Saint Clair County and is 16 miles [25.7 km] to the south of Wood River (which is located in Madison County).
- East Saint Louis is located in Saint Clair County and is 16 miles [25.7 km] to the south of Wood River (which is located in Madison County).
- At the time of his death, he was 35.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for Ernest Patrick 'Ernie' Hickman<1>
William Holden (Oscar nominated actor)
- Born: William Franklin Beedle, Jr.
- He was born in O'Fallon (IL) on April 17, 1918 (a Wednesday) and died in Santa Monica (CA) on November 12, 1981 (a Thursday).
- O'Fallon is located in Saint Clair County and is 20 miles [32.2 km] to the southeast of Wood River (which is located in Madison County).
- Santa Monica is located in Los Angeles County, California.
- At the time of his death, he was 63.
- The body was cremated.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for William Holden<1>
Mary Beth Hughes (Actress)
- She was born in Alton (IL) on November 13, 1921 (a Sunday) and died in Los Angeles (CA) on August 27, 1995 (a Sunday).
- Alton is located nearby and to the northwest of Wood River.
- Los Angeles is located in Los Angeles County, California.
- At the time of her death, she was 73.
- We don't have any burial details.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for Mary Beth Hughes<1>
Elijah Parish Lovejoy (Social activist)
- He was born in Albion (ME) on November 9, 1802 (a Tuesday) and died in Alton (IL) on November 7, 1837 (a Tuesday).
- Albion is located in Kennebec County, Maine.
- Alton is located nearby and to the northwest of Wood River.
- At the time of his death, he was 35.
- He is buried at Alton Cemetery, located nearby and to the west northwest of Wood River.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for Elijah Parish Lovejoy<1>
- The Find-A-Grave entry for Alton Cemetery
- Google driving directions:
- From your current location to Alton Cemetery (Patience, this may take a moment).
- From Wood River to Alton Cemetery
Elijah Parish Lovejoy (Social reformer)
- He was born in Albion (ME) on November 9, 1802 (a Tuesday) and died in Alton (IL) on November 7, 1837 (a Tuesday).
- Albion is located in Kennebec County, Maine.
- Alton is located nearby and to the northwest of Wood River.
- At the time of his death, he was 35.
- He is buried at Alton Cemetery, located nearby and to the west northwest of Wood River.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for Elijah Parish Lovejoy<1>
- The Find-A-Grave entry for Alton Cemetery
- Google driving directions:
- From your current location to Alton Cemetery (Patience, this may take a moment).
- From Wood River to Alton Cemetery
Frank E. Millard (Professional baseball)
- He was born in East Saint Louis (IL) on July 4, 1865 (a Tuesday) and died in Galveston (TX) on July 4, 1892 (a Monday).
- East Saint Louis is located in Saint Clair County and is 16 miles [25.7 km] to the south of Wood River (which is located in Madison County).
- Galveston is located in Galveston County, Texas.
- At the time of his death, he was 27.
- He is buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery, located 14 miles [22.5 km] to the southwest of Wood River. The cemetery is located in Saint Louis City, Missouri.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for Frank E. Millard<1>
- The Find-A-Grave entry for Bellefontaine Cemetery
- Google driving directions:
- From your current location to Bellefontaine Cemetery (Patience, this may take a moment).
- From Wood River to Bellefontaine Cemetery
Marianne Craig Moore (Poet, author, editor)
- She was born in Kirkwood (MO) on November 15, 1887 (a Tuesday) and died in New York (NY) on February 5, 1972 (a Saturday).
- Kirkwood is located in Saint Louis County and is 26 miles [41.8 km] to the southwest of Wood River (which is located in Madison County).
- New York is located in Kings County, New York.
- At the time of her death, she was 84.
- She is buried at Evergreen Cemetery, which is located in Adams County, Pennsylvania.
- Additional References
- Find-A-Grave Memorial for Marianne Craig Moore<1>
- The Find-A-Grave entry for Evergreen Cemetery
- Google driving directions:
- From your current location to Evergreen Cemetery (Patience, this may take a moment).
- From Wood River to Evergreen Cemetery

Footnotes ...

<1>	The Find-a-Grave website is an excellent research tool with information about a cemetery's location and interments. They also offer a forum for their members which can provide additional help. More information about Find-a-Grave can be found on their website: findagrave.com.