David Bridges

CHARLESTON – David Gene Bridges, 72, of Charleston, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at the Harper-Swickard Funeral Home, with the Memorial Service honoring his life beginning at 3:00 p.m. with Richard Eident officiating. Memorials in his honor may be made to: The American Cancer Society.

David was born June 28, 1953 at Mattoon, son of Boyd and Erna (Engel) Bridges. He met the love of his life, Melody Ann Gross, on a blind date at age 15, and they were married October 28, 1973 at Mattoon; she survives. Also surviving is one son, Derek Bridges and wife Kim, and one brother, Larry Bridges. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister-in-law, Terry Bridges.

David was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Mattoon. He had worked as a welder at Blaw-Knox for thirty-one years, and retired as a plumber from EIU, where he was in charge of the fire system, after more than seven years.

David was a man of many talents and interests, he loved working on old cars, and he had a 1987 GMC Caballero that was his pride and joy. He also was a gifted woodworker, making kitchen islands out of old barnwood. David also had another admirable trait, and that was being able to eat whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, and not gain any weight. He loved watching documentaries, and anything involving science and history. David was always willing to lend a hand to anyone with projects of any kind.