RICHARD C. BRIDGE

Richard C. Bridge, age 74, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 14, 2009 at Bethlehem Woods, Fort Wayne. Born on February 15, 1935 in Whitley County, IN, he was the son of Russell V. and Vera M. (Smith) Bridge.He graduated from Columbia City High School in 1953. In 1954, he moved to Fort Wayne, IN where he attended GE Apprenticeship for 3 1/2 years. On August 6, 1954 he was united in marriage to Barbara J. Barnes. For 24 years, he worked at Bowmar Instrument Corporation, as a production engineer and for 19 years he worked at ITT where he retired in 2001 as the manager of the manufacturing engineering group. Survivors include his wife, Barbara J. Bridge of Fort Wayne; daughters, Beth A. Bridge (Karen Rexroth) of Fort Wayne; Pamela K. (David) Brake of Pembrook Pines, FL; son, William R. (Betty) Bridge of Huntertown; brother, Roger L. (Bev) Bridge of Rockville; he was a wonderful grandfather to Rachel Bridge of Fort Wayne and Joe and Ruby Brake of Pembrook Pines, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents and mother-in-law, Ruby Morrow.Visitation is Wednesday, September 16, 2009 from 4-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service is Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 1 p.m. with one hour of calling prior at the funeral home with Pastor Robert M. Crouse of Faith Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Compton Cemetery, Columbia City, IN. Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Bridge's memory to Whitley County Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.