David Preston Bridgwaters

David “Preston” Bridgwaters, age 83, of Bloomington passed away at his residence Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Born July 22, 1937 in Bloomington, he was the second of nine children born to Albert Louis and Buena Mae “Elizabeth” (Eagleson) Bridgwaters. Preston attended elementary school at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School. After graduating from Bloomington High School, class of 1955, he attended Indiana University where he played both basketball and football on the freshman teams. In 1956, he transferred to Compton Junior College, in California, where he played football and the team played in the National Junior Rose Bowl. In 1960, he married Mary “Maxine” Chandler, his high school sweetheart, to whom he was married for 47 years. Starting in 1966, Preston worked in the telecommunications industry for about 34 years employed by Western Electric, AT&T, Alcatel and Lucent Technologies where he retired October 1, 2001. As a lifetime resident of Bloomington, he received the Monroe County Unsung Hero Award in 2010 and in 2017, he received a proclamation from the Mayor, declaring July 22, 2017, David Preston Bridgwaters Day. Preston donated his resources to and served as a volunteer for numerous community organizations and projects, primarily serving as a strong advocate for youth and for the interest of the Near Westside Community. In response to his generous donation of land, a building was named in his honor. As a highly skilled electrician, he volunteered his expertise to countless churches and friends. He was an active participant in 2nd Baptist Church. Preston is survived by three daughters, Angela “Lynn” (Kermit) Billups, of Maryland; Mary “Cherron” Waters and Catherine “Renee” (Vernon) Carter, both of Bloomington and two sons, David and Albert Bridgwaters, of Bloomington. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Preston was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one daughter, Tammula Bridgwaters and two brothers, Louis and Jack Bridgwaters. Friends may visit the family on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home; 4150 E. Third St. Due to CoVid19 restrictions, a private family service will occur on Saturday where the Second Baptist Church will be livestreaming the service on their Facebook page starting at 11:00 a.m. Online condolences may be given at www.DayDeremiahFryeFuneralHome.com