Orville William Bridges

Orville William Bridges, 84, of Patterson, MO, passed away, Wednesday, December 6, 2023, on his farm in Patterson. He was born in Coldwater, MO, March 17, 1939, to parents Ona and Ora (DeSpain) Bridges.

Orville was a supportive father, nurturing grandfather, loving brother and friend. He was raised around Coldwater and was a Greenville High School, class of 1957 graduate. Orville met the love of his life at a church function, Elizabeth Fulton, and they were married on December 14, 1963. To this union, two children were born. Orville earned his bachelor’s degree at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) and his master’s degree at Rolla in secondary education. He loved to teach. His first teaching job was while he was still in school at a one room schoolhouse in Coldwater. He taught high school math at Maryland Heights, Greenville, South Iron, and taught at Clearwater High School from 1965-1990. Orville was a devote Christian. He was a faithful member of Patterson Baptist and then Tabernacle Baptist Church where he served as a longtime deacon and adult training union teacher. He also served as a treasurer for the Wayne County Baptist Association for forty years. Orville loved nothing more than serving others, spending time with his family, and working on his farm. He enjoyed life to the fullest whether it was at a family function, playing dominoes, working cattle, trips to the sale barn, gardening, taking his grandkids fishing, on four-wheeler rides, or even taking us all sledding.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his devoted wife of fifty-five years.

Orville is survived by his children: Tim Bridges and wife Rita of Patterson, MO, Sharon Burkey and husband Stacey of Poplar Bluff; grandchildren: Benjamin Bridges and wife Brittany, Nathan Bridges, Abigail Rayfield and husband Brady, Aidan Bridges, Joshua, and Noah Burkey; sister: Nina Mills of Fredericktown; and a community of friends. Orville will be deeply missed.

Visitation was held at 5:00 pm, Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Tabernacle Baptist Church, Piedmont. Funeral service was held at 11:00 am, Monday, December 11, 2023, also at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Pastor Tim Bridges ministered to the family. Pastor Gary Aubuchon read the obituary. Ben Bridges provided special music accompanied by pianist, Marley Raddatz. Ben Bridges, Nathan Bridges, Aidan Bridges, Joah Burkey, Noah Burkey, and Brady Rayfield served as pallbearers. Burial followed in Patterson Cemetery, Patterson, MO. 

In lieu of flowers family requests donations to Gideons International. To make a gift by phone, call toll-free 1-866-382-4253, or send to this address; The Gideons International Processing Center, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

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