Donald G. Bridges

Donald G. Bridges, 79, of Elida, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023 with his loving family by his side. Don was born March 2, 1944 in Lima, OH to Clarence and Jane {Dielman} Bridges, who preceded him in death.

On December 12, 1964 he married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn {Crates} who survives in Elida.

Don is survived by his children, Jeff (Shelby) Bridges of Beaverdam, OH and Brian (Pam) Bridges of Hilliard, OH; four grandchildren: Josh (Jennifer) of Elida, OH, and Brandon, Cole, and Beau of Hilliard, OH; his sister, Dolores Ernest of Lima; sisters-in-law, Barb (Dave) Young of Vaughnsville, OH, and Marilyn (Bob) Elder of Convoy, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was a 1962 graduate of Gomer High School, where he excelled in baseball and basketball. He was signed to a minor-league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies right out of high school. He was with the Phillies for 5 seasons. He played in Miami, FL, Bakersfield, CA, Chattanooga, TN, Eugene, OR, and Tidewater, VA. He attended Ohio Northern University during two off-seasons. Don then worked at Airfoil Textron (Ex-Cello) of Lima for 29 years, later for Priority Dispatch, and lastly as a courtesy shuttle driver for Lima Chevrolet-Cadillac.

Don enjoyed watching his sons and grandsons play sports and coached many teams as well as playing baseball for the Gomer Merchants and softball with Kruse Furniture of Elida. Don also enjoyed playing golf and an occasional gambling trip. He traveled to many different states over the years with his wife and her twin sister and her husband to conventions.

Don was inducted into the Elida Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016 for his outstanding baseball career and coaching contributions.

Don will be greatly missed by all his family and friends at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church of Lima, OH. The family would like to thank Interim Hospice and especially Jeanette Clark for their compassionate care.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 from 2-4 p.m. at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, where a funeral service will follow at 4 p.m. Pastor Ted Bible will officiate. Burial will be at a later date at Wesley Chapel Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.