Warren D. Bridges

Veteran, Musician, Entrepreneur

Warren D. Bridges, 87, went to be with Jesus, his Lord and Savior, on Saturday, July 9, 2011. A veteran who saw service in both World War II and the Korean conflict, he served in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy and retired from active duty in July, 1976. With his late wife, Catherine, he founded Aloes International, Inc. in Orlando in 1981 and continued to serve the company as President and CEO until his death.

Born on June 6, 1924 in Savannah, Georgia, Warren was the only son of Mabel and John Bridges. He and Catherine were married in 1948 and had celebrated their 59th anniversary shortly before her death in 2007. He attended Duke University and Stetson University and received his degree in Flute from Old Dominion University in Virginia. After serving in the Navy in World War II he left the military for a career in broadcasting, but was recalled to service in the Korean conflict. After leaving the Navy for the second time, he continued his musical studies and then, in 1956, re-enlisted with the U.S. Army as a bandsman at Fort McPherson, GA. This was followed by assignment to the School of Music at the Navy Amphibious Base in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he served as Chief Instructor of the Army Advanced Class, and to the Continental Army Command Band at Fort Monroe, Virginia as Enlisted Bandmaster with the rank of Sergeant Major.

In 1978 Warren and Catherine moved to Florida, where in 1981 they founded Aloes International, Inc., and established the Catherine’s Choice brand of Aloe Vera dietary supplements and personal care products. Warren and Catherine both continued to be active with the company until their respective deaths.

Warren was active in the Christian community as a member of Central Florida Bible Church and a Director of the American Christian Education Foundation. He was well known in local musical circles as an accomplished performer on the saxophone, clarinet, piccolo and flute. His energy, enthusiasm and joy in living belied his years, and he liked to refer to himself as “the young octogenarian.” Warren will be sadly missed by his many friends, fans, employees and business associates throughout the Orlando area.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 19th at 10 a.m. at Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home, 2811 Curry Ford Road, Orlando. The service, with full military honors, will be conducted by Pastor John Pereira. Music will be provided by Warren’s friend Bob Luft.

Arrangements under the direction of Colonial Chapel/Carey Hand, Orlando, FL.