Melbie Ray Bridges

Melbie Ray Bridges, age 90, of Overland Park, Kansas, formerly of Halfway, Missouri, passed away at 7:50am, Monday, April 6, 2009 at The Rose Estates Assisted Living in Overland Park, Kansas. He was born July 26, 1918 in Goodson, Missouri to Joseph Carter Bridges and Irena Jane Carroll Bridges. He married Zelma Marie Vincent on September 1, 1939 in Bolivar, Missouri. He was a faithful member of Jericho Missionary Baptist Church in Independence, Missouri for many years. Melbie was an avid fisherman, hunter and all around outdoorsman. He enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends. He was a truck driver for Safeway Stores and retired from the Teamsters Local #955 after 35 years. He was also a dairy and stock cattle farmer for a great portion of his life in Halfway, Missouri and Olathe, Kansas. His strong work ethic was instilled in all of his children. He is survived by his wife of 69 years; Zelma Marie Vincent Bridges of the home, a daughter; Karen Cheatham and her husband William of Village of Loch Lloyd, Missouri, three sons; Byron Bridges and his wife Linda of Grain Valley, Missouri, Kenneth Bridges and his wife Karen of Overland Park, Kansas, Wayne Bridges and his wife Debbie of Overland Park, Kansas, 12 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, two sisters; Leona Scurlock of Bolivar, Missouri, Juanita Seiner of Bolivar, Missouri, as well as several other relatives and friends. Funeral Services will be at 1:00 PM, Thursday, April 9, 2009 at the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, Missouri with Bro. Jack Brakebill and Bro. Carl DeFreece Officiating. Musical selections will be How Great Thou Art, Where The Roses Never Fade, What A Day That Will Be and Tell Mother Ill Be There by the Jericho Missionary Baptist Church Choir with Juanita Smith playing the piano. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar, Missouri. Pallbearers will be Grandsons; Brian Bridges, Kevin Bridges, Derek Bridges, Ryan Bridges, Chris Cheatham, and Eric Bridges. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jeff Bridges, Vernon Andrews, Junior Fuller, Jim Moulder and Gary Scurlock. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. Our Family would also like to thank the staff at The Rose Estates Assisted Living and Heartland Hospice in Overland Park where he was lovingly cared for during the last weeks of his life. Memorial contributions may be made to the Heartland Hospice or Jericho Missionary Baptist Church both in c/o Butler Funeral Home, 407 E. Broadway, Bolivar, Missouri 65613. Friends and family may sign the guest book or send private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

Melbie Ray Bridges

July 26, 1918 - April 6, 2009