Charley Bridges

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Charley Bridges quietly passed from this life on September 10th, 2024. He was born on July 22, 1929 in Wentworth, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Beulah Bridges, brother Walter and sister Vera. He married June McClinton on August 20th 1948 who preceded him in death after 74 years of marriage.

Charley graduated from Diamond High School in 1947 with an American Farmers Degree in Vocational Agriculture. He later graduated from Joplin Junior College with an Associate of Science Degree. He was a lifelong farmer and was president of Bridges Farms Inc. 

While farming he also worked at Rocketdyne Neosho as Test Engineer and Quality Analyst. He continued the next stage of his career at Rockwell International Inc., Tulsa in Information Systems. He would finish his career at the Kansas Army Ammunitions Plant as Information Systems Manager, Controller and Finance Director. Then during this time, he also served as National Management Association Director. He had been a lifelong member of the Diamond United Methodist Church. 

 Charley also enjoyed giving back to the community through youth involvements, such as leading 4-H groups and youth church activities. Leading up to retirement both June and Charley loved to travel. The grandchildren and family were blessed to join them on their early adventures. The RV travel blossomed into a lifestyle that was shared with their friends that also had RV’s and traveled the United States. They became such a tight group that later a street in a large RV community was named Missouri Street for them.

He is survived by sons Harold (Tiny) Bridges, Glen (Penny) Bridges and Lee Bridges. Grandchildren: Ben Bridges, Will Bridges, Kyle Bridges, Dana McCormick and Ryan Bridges. His extended family includes many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Clark Funeral Home on Monday, September 16, 2024, Visitation is at 9:00 AM with funeral services following at 10:00 AM. Immediately following the service, burial will be at the Diamond Cemetery.