Leroy Wade Bridges

A self-described farm-boy, Leroy was born in Idabel, Oklahoma. He was the first in his family to graduate from college, which he proudly did in 1981. Leroy was well-known in Oklahoma as a person who knew how to get things done. He had strong connections and contacts within various governmental entities, and was a recognized fundraiser, volunteer and strong advocate for mental health, education, and community needs. Much of what he did was because he believed in the cause and had a strong desire to help others. A “political junkie”, he was knowledgeable about most state, local and national politics. He would be described by those who knew him well as a trusted coach and mentor.

At the time of his death he was Advisory Council Chairman of the Political Communications Center at the University of Oklahoma and was Chief Executive Officer of Bridges Consultants. In his role with the Center he was instrumental in the ongoing development, and collection of political commercials for the archives, bringing well-known political speakers to campus, and the creation of a political “junkies” forum. Leroy loved OU and being a part of an academic environment, where he was a proud member of the President’s Associates.

Leroy’s professional career also included leadership roles with Oklahoma and Arizona State Farm Bureaus. He was actively involved and consulted in state and local political campaigns and elections for many years. His degree from OCU is in public administration. He loved being a student and was so grateful that he became a fund-raising volunteer for OCU.

Leroy’s resume reads like a public service roster. He served on numerous public and private boards and commissions within Oklahoma including: Ronald McDonald House Advisory Board, a Founding Member of Red Earth Board, Chairman of the State Cultural Diversity and Economics Committee, Redlands College Board of Regents, Canadian County Excise Board, The Oklahoma Foundation of Excellence Board of Trustees, Oklahoma Centennial Commission member, Oklahoma City MAPS Oversight Board, the North Oklahoma City Rotary Club, and Boys State speaker and presenter for 13 years.

Leroy was honored with many awards and recognitions throughout his distinguished professional career and for his community advocacy. Among these awards are: Twice named OCU Distinguished Alumni, 1995 Rotarian of the Year Award, 1999 Daily Oklahoman recognition for Volunteerism and Board Membership; 2005 Recognition by Mental Health & Substance Abuse Centers of Southern Oklahoma, 2012 Red Earth Spirit Award, three governors have proclaimed Leroy Bridges Day in Oklahoma, 2013 OKC/County Historical Society Path Maker Award, and in September 2014 he received the Mustang Chamber of Commerce Ambassador award, which he described as among the best of his recognitions.

Leroy truly loved having his family together, seeing each occasion as a special event to celebrate and savor. He especially enjoyed sumptuous meals for family gatherings prepared by his son Robert. He took great pride in his own accomplishments and in the accomplishments of his wife, children, and grandchildren. He never passed up the opportunity for a good debate or political banter. He often got together with long-time friends to debate politics and solve state and world problems. He was in his element when asked for his “expert” opinion and advice (which he was always willing to share). He loved OU football, and the Oklahoma City Thunder—games he watched intently with his wife Ellen. Leroy, too, wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to meet at the Faculty House (thank you Faculty House staff for your service and friendship) or eat at Pete’s Place in McAlester.

He was an avid reader and consumer of knowledge—he wanted to be current with the world around him and the community in which he lived. Leroy spent many hours studying and practicing self-improvement. His life was truly remarkable.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Milliard Clem Bridges and Edna Matkin Bridges; his brothers, Clem, Stanley, M.L. and Houston, and sisters, Verla Mae Bingham and Emma Jean Allen.

Leroy is survived by Ellen, his wife of 40 years (they were brought together by their shared political passions and careers); daughters, Dr. Carol Bridges and Shirley Walker (John); son, Robert Bridges; grandsons, Michael and Matthew Bridges; step-daughter Kathleen Wilson (Dr. Daniel Swan) and step-grandson Jeff Swan; brothers Eugene (Wilma), Marvin (Pat), Larry Wayne and Duwayne Bridges; many nieces, nephews and extended family; many friends and fellow political “junkies”; his Saturday morning breakfast group; and his loving cats Rob, Sam, and Ming.

His family is grateful to his medical team, in whom he had great confidence: Dr. Stephen Spielman, Dr. Subha Varahan, and Dr. Michael Keefer; and to the wonderful and caring professionals and staff at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital, Sooner Home Health Care, and Crossroads Hospice. Gracy Koshy, his Oklahoma Heart Hospital Case Manager was an angel, and her care and many kindnesses can never be repaid.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Leroy’s name to the OU Political Communications Center, Red Earth, Inc., Oklahoma City Rescue Mission, Oklahoma Historical Society, or the charity of your choice.

Services are Saturday, December 20, 1:00 p.m., Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Home, 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, reception following; and internment at Memorial Park Cemetery, 13400 North Kelly. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, December 19, 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.