Charles Bridgewater

Charles Farrell Bridgewater, 76, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., departed from this life Thursday, September 10, 2015, at Westwood Hills Nursing Facility surrounded by family. Charles, son of the late Myrtle Hart, was born May 13, 1939 in Harviell, Mo. Mr. Bridgewater was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He proudly served in both active and reserve duty from 1959-1969 participating in the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War. He earned a National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Mr. Bridgewater was an avid car enthusiast. He worked for Ford Motor Company in St. Louis, served as Arbitrator at Poplar Bluff Auto Auction, and managed several car dealerships throughout Southeast Missouri. He enjoyed spending time with his family and being outdoors. He loved fishing and watching the St. Louis Cardinals. Charles married his eternal partner, Julia Sutherland, of St. Louis Mo., April 30, 1977. She passed away March 26, 2008. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle and sister, Bonnie Miller. Mr. Bridgewater is survived by his brother, Len Hart of Maryville, Ill., and three daughters, Crystal Harvey of West Alton, Jennifer Taylor and husband, Stacy, and Lisa Bridgewater, all of Poplar Bluff. He also leaves behind four beloved grandchildren, Lindsy Rae Harvey, Chase Taylor, Madalyn and Gracyn Bridgewater, and his puppy Jordan. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Monday, September 14, 2015 at Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2015, in the chapel, with Rev. Steve Patterson officiating. Burial will follow in the Mo. Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Mo. with full military rites.