Gordon Eugene Bridges, 85, died on December 15, 2020, at the Salina Regional Health Center, Salina, Kansas. The tenth of twelve children, he was born in Russell, Kansas on April 26, 1935, to James (Jim) Bridges and Catherine (Katie) Spaed Bridges and married Ruth (Gilbert) Sept. 21, 1958, in Stockton, Kansas.
Gordon was a mechanic and worked for various companies. He and Ruth became over-the-road self-employed drivers in 1983 mostly hauling munitions during the Gulf-War. They enjoyed the freedom of driving throughout the United States but most of all they just enjoyed being together and loved to share stories of their adventurous travels with family and friends. When Ruth’s health prevented her from driving Gordon continued to drive until his health forced him to retire. After Ruth’s death in 2006 Gordon became a bus driver for the Plainville School System. He enjoyed being with the students and driving sports teams to their many events. Then in 2019, Gordon moved to Salina, Kansas where he resided at Pinnacle Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He loved the staff and residents there. While there, he resumed his hobby of carving and made many beautiful things. Family members especially treasure the angels he made them. He was serving as the president of their resident council at the time of his death.
He is survived by his children: Jay (Pam) Mongeau of Pleasant Hill, MO; Curt (Karla) Bieber of Hays, KS; Lu (Dave) Geis of Wichita, KS; Jim Bridges of Plainville, KS; Gordon Jr. (Sherri) Bridges of Lincoln, NE. Eleven Grandchildren: Brian Mongeau, Bryce Mongeau, Bradley Mongeau, Cassandra (Hillebrand) Vogel, Joseph Hillebrand, Brady Bridges, Kelsey (Bridges) Hunke, Crystal Starr, Chaseton Tucker, Trenton Tucker, and Georgia Tucker; and Twenty great grandchildren, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his brother Kenny (Mary) of Salina and two sisters Kathryn Peery and Barbara Heffel of Anaheim, CA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Vernon and Robert (infant); sisters Helen Lewis, Ruth Meitler, Dorothy Dalton, Thelma Anker, Mary Lea Pearson, and Rae Ellen Cone.
Cremation was chosen with a private family gathering to celebrate Gordon’s life later. A memorial has been established in his name to help with funeral expenses. Gordon Bridges Memorial, 4421 Kirkwood Dr., Lincoln, NE 68516.