Don Bridges, 87, lifelong resident of Reidland, passed away on September 20, 2024, in Paducah, following a lengthy illness.
Don was born in Cadiz, KY, during the 1937 flood in Trigg County, Kentucky, the son of Conrad and Annie (Calhoun) Bridges. After his parents moved their young family to Paducah, Don enjoyed many childhood visits “back home” to visit his grandparents and extended family. Don attended Reidland schools and graduated from Reidland High School in 1955, where he was known for his tenor singing voice and good-natured hijinks.
After high school graduation, Don briefly attended Paducah Junior College, then went to work as a steam locomotive fireman for the Illinois Central Railroad.
In 1959, he joined the Army National Guard and was sent to Fort Knox for basic training, followed by six months of advanced training. He was called to active Army duty in September 1961, as a result of the Cold War Berlin Crisis, and was a member and tank commander of Company B of the 2nd Medium Tank Battalion, 123rd Armor. Don was honorably discharged from the Army National Guard into the U.S. Army in 1964, honorably discharged from the U. S. Army back into the Army National Guard in 1965, and later honorably discharged from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve in 1966, having attained the final rank of E-7 Sergeant First Class.
In 1961, Don married the love of his life, Sue Beth Crews, whom he met on a blind date arranged by friends. Daughter Donna came along during his active duty at Ft. Stewart, GA. After returning to Reidland, a second daughter, Rayla was born. Later, a son, Scott, completed the young family.
Don was a family man who loved being a husband, father, and grandfather. He was also a dedicated son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and nephew. He was born into a family in which the knowledge and preservation of family history was important, and he held to that tradition as a lifetime member of the Thomas-Bridges Association, dedicated to passing along the family history for future generations.
Don was a man of quiet faith and a life-long, baptized member of Oaklawn Baptist Church. Following retirement, he enjoyed being involved in church life and events serving in various capacities, until illness prevented his ability to participate. He was valued as a trustee for his knowledge of mechanical operations and also as a choir member for his pleasant tenor voice.
Don valued his friends greatly, and a friend once made was a friend for life. Personal, family, and work friendships remained in his heart and mind throughout his life, and he missed those from whom he was separated. Don chose his friends carefully and deliberately, and those who were part of his inner circle knew the bonds of friendship with him were special. He was a private person, respected the privacy of others, and had a strong sense of personal responsibility.
During his working years, Don worked for NAPA, Air Products, and Electric Energy, Inc. (EEI). He obtained numerous certificates in various types of training, from operational to managerial, and also attended Draughon's Business College. His mechanical expertise, work ethic, and critical thinking skills were valued by his employers. After working several years as an EEI Maintenance Mechanic, he was hired as one of the first two Maintenance Planners at the plant. Don retired from EEI in 2001, after nearly three decades.
Don was highly intelligent and an avid reader, possessing an encyclopedic knowledge on endless topics. He put this ability to good use, applying the things he learned to the various situations and problems encountered throughout his life. He greatly valued the ability to learn and do things on one's own and endeavored to pass this mindset on to his family.
One of Don's most cherished accomplishments was earning his Private Pilot License in midlife. He loved flying and flew planes until he was 80 years old, logging many hours in the air. He flew for personal enjoyment, to visit family, to spend time with friends, and share travel adventures with his wife and family. His interest in flight was passed down to him from his father, and Don subsequently passed down a love of flying to Scott.
Aside from flying, Don loved being on the water in a fast outboard motorboat. Don made many great memories with family and friends, cruising the rivers, picnicking on sandbars, skiing, and enjoying boat races. He was known for his expertise in outboard motors and fiberglass repair. His children have fond memories of being together out on the water fishing, skiing, exploring sandbars, and just cruising down the river. His family considered his ability to fry mouth-watering fish taken from such trips as legendary.
Don will be remembered for his intelligence, sense of humor, loyalty, generosity, and mechanical “know-how.” He is survived by his daughter, Rayla (Britton) Trigg; his son, Scott (Rebecca) Bridges; his grandsons Ian, Henry, and his step-grandson, Michael. Additional survivors include his nephews Mark Gillihan and Robert Cooper, and niece, Leslie (Frasier) Wylie.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Conrad and Annie Calhoun Bridges; his wife of 56 years, Sue Beth Crews Bridges; daughter, Donna Bridges Armond; son-in-law, Sammy Armond; sisters, Betty Bridges Gillihan and Cheryl Bridges Cooper; and brothers-in-law, Edgar Gillihan and Richard Cooper.
The Bridges family wishes to extend special thanks to Don's caregivers, friends, neighbors, church, and extended family for their many prayers, cards, and kindnesses during his illness.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Dr. Brent Easton officiating. Private burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in the Garden of Freedom.
Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy be made to Oaklawn Baptist Church, 500 Oaks Road, Paducah, KY 42003; Drury Bridges Cemetery, c/o Treasurer, 115 Beechy Fork Road, Cadiz KY, 42211; or Mercy Health Paducah Hospice, c/o Lourdes Foundation, 1530 Lone Oak Road, Paducah, KY 42003. Condolence cards may be sent to: D. Bridges Family, P. O. Box 3433, Paducah, KY 42002.
