GARY W. BRIDGES
GARY W. BRIDGES
Gary W. Bridges, age 65, of Revere, MO, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at his home. Gary was born May 8, 1954 in Springfield, IL, the only child of Charles and Velma D. Turner Bridges.
He was a U. S. Navy Veteran and very proud to have served his country.
Survivors include the love of his life, Tracy Nichols of Revere; two children: Tiffany Bridges and Jacob Bridges, both of Keokuk; two step-children: Holly Ann (Kyle Spindler) Quayle and Amanda (John) Bevis, all of LaGrange; grandchildren: Logan Ames, Eliot Tweedy, Mackenzie Broadhurst, Thomas Victory, Lucas, Jenna, and Emberlee Bridges, Burton and Walker Spindler, Keaton Quayle, Devin Woods, and Mela and Chance Bevis; Tracy’s children: Laura (Marcie Thompson) Keller of Kahoka, Jesse (Misty) Keller of Revere, Trevor (Keri) Nichols of Revere, and Kylee (Rachel) Nichols of Kahoka; Tracy’s twelve grandchildren he considered his own; Tracy’s siblings: Jan (Russ) Martin of Kahoka, Vickie (Bill) Pitford of Montrose, Tammy (Tim) Warning of Quincy, and Marla (David) Payne of Keokuk; two special nephews, Frank and Bubba Morgan; special friends, Bob and Phyllis Hurt of Kahoka and Bob Boon of Revere; as well as other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Glen and Maggie Morgan; a brother-in-law, Mark Morgan; and grandson, Harris Spindler.
Gary had been employed by Knapheide in Quincy as a welder until his retirement.
He loved cooking, gardening, fishing, mushroom hunting, camping, and anything that kept him outdoors.
He also loved to listen to music and enjoy sitting in his chair by the window in the winter.
Military Rites wereheld on Monday, February 10, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. in the National Cemetery in Keokuk, IA followed by a gathering and time of sharing at the old Revere Community Church in Revere.
Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka to help with final expenses.
On-line condolences may be expressed at www.wilsonfuneralservice.com.
Acknowledgement of Military Service
The members of the United States Navy, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars hereby acknowledge that Comrade Gary Wayne Bridges served our country for three years, ten months, and eighteen days in the United States Navy.
He served aboard the U.S.S. Hollister (DD-788), a Gearing-Class Destroyer, as a gun-crew infantryman. He attained the rank of Seaman Recruit (E-1).
He was awarded and authorized to wear the following decorations:
Navy Combat Action Ribbon
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation with Palm
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device.
He enlisted 28 July 1971, received an honorable discharge 1 August 1975 and returned to Alexandria, Missouri.
The ship has been darkened, and the bell mournfully tolls for our shipmate who joined the staff of the supreme commander 6 February 2020. During his final assignment we wish him fair winds and following seas.
