David E. Bridges

David E. Bridges was surrounded by his family as he joyfully entered into the loving arms of Jesus on Wednesday, February 24, 2016. He is now renewed in his new home in Heaven. A wonderful tribute witnessed by his family to a life lived with graciousness and genuine love.

Dave was born March 6, 1932, in Mansfield, Ohio, to the late Leslie Harold Bridges and Mae Aby Bridges. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving with the U.S. Army. Dave retired after 49 1/2 years of service with Tyco/Hartman Electric and served as an auxiliary policeman for the City of Mansfield. Dave was a member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church since 1957 and lived his life as a servant of Christ. God blessed him with many good, caring people throughout his life. Dave was especially blessed to have good friends who were willing to support and love him through life's trials. The many health care professionals who helped Dave through his hospital and nursing home stays were angels from above, especially the staff of Arbors at Mifflin and Hospice of North Central Ohio. Never did a friend or family member leave Dave's company without him saying "God Bless You" first. He never took for granted the kindness showed to him by others and he was more than willing to give of himself in whatever capacity he was able.

Dave enjoyed guiding youngsters in life and was a Little League baseball coach at Mifflin Elementary School, and Assistant Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop #113. He was passionate and proud of his family, adored each and every one of them, and his legacy will long be treasured by them all.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Wanda Carver Bridges; five children, Garry (Deb) Bridges, Randy (Cindy) Bridges, Douglas (Donna) Bridges and Craig (Lynn) Bridges, all of Mansfield, Colleen (David) Lewis of Willow Springs, MO; eight grandchildren, Jenica (William) Keim and Todd (Chelsey) Bridges, both of Mansfield, Jacquelyn (Greg) Ryshen of Canal Winchester, OH, Brandon Bridges of Denver, CO, Daniel (Esther) Lewis and Carl (Amber) Lewis, both of Willow Springs, MO, Laura Bridges of Canton, MI and Lisa Bridges of Mansfield; eight great-grandchildren, Malachi and Kaelynn Keim, Chloe' Bridges, Evan and Moriah Ryshen, Paul, Walter and Abner Lewis; and a brother, Larry (Joann) Bridges of Bellville, OH. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Dalton Keim.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, February 29, 2016, at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield, Ohio. The funeral service conducted by Rev. Bonnie Peltomaa will be held Tuesday at 11:00 in St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1262 Ashland Road, Mansfield, Ohio. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Timothy Lutheran Church or Friendly House.