Walter R. 'Bud' Eldridge 70 Died at Mercy Hospital Des Moines Iowa Friday night after a brief illness. Born in Boston, raised in Charlestown and graduated from Charlestown High School. Bud lived in Melrose for 34 years and the last 6 years in Iowa. He worked as a letter carrier of the U.S. Postal Service in Malden until he retired in 1970 and later worked at the Bureau of State Buildings in the maintaince Dept. until 1986. Bud was the husband of Constance ( Babcock )Eldridge and the late Helen 'Jill' ( Coughlin ) Eldridge.Father of Patricia Bayrd & her husband Brian & Susan Keene & her husband Jeff both of ME., David Eldridge of N. Reading, John Eldridge & his wife Colinda of LA. and the late Mark Eldridge. Also survived by 8 grandchildren, a step-daughter Sandra Smith & her husband Dan of IA., 5 step-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Brother of Margaret Doherty of Medford and the late Joseph Eldridge and the late Theresa Finnegan. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W Foster St. Melrose on Friday at 8 AM. Funeral Mass in St Mary's Church, corner of Myrtle & Herbert sts, Melrose at 9 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Thursday 4 - 8 PM. Burial will be in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.Korean War Air Force Veteran.