Stephen A. Bridges' Obituary
Stephen Alston Bridges entered the gates of paradise on Sunday, January 4, 2015 at Baylor Hospital Plano. Steve is preceded in death by his loving parents, A. Gene and Clara Lee Bridges and his father in law, Richard Tessier. He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years Connie, his daughters Kristin Bridges and Caryn Bunch, son in law Brian Bunch, cherished grandchildren Bailee and Brody, all from Dallas, TX; his sister Susan Oakley, brother in law Collins Oakley, and nieces Kimberly McElreath, Lindsey Garcia, and Stacey Oakley, all from Houston, TX; his Uncle Murray Bridges of Dallas, TX, and many more family members. Steve was born on March 2, 1945 in New Orleans, Louisiana and was raised in Baton Rouge and Dallas. He was proud of his Louisiana heritage and shared his zest for the Cajun culture, music and especially food with many family members and friends. He grew up boating and loved being on the water. His family moved to the Dallas area when he was in high school and he graduated from Richardson High School in 1963 where he made and continued to stay in touch with many friends. He always recalled fondly his years as an Eagle, eating at Del’s and driving the “drag” down Greenville Avenue. After high school, Steve attended LSU, followed by North Texas and eventually enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1966. It was there that he discovered his passion for planes and worked as an airfield technician. He was sent overseas to Thailand, where he continued to serve his country. Stephen returned to the states and worked for Republic Aluminum Company in Richardson. He was relocated to Omaha, NE, where he met and married Connie Tessier April 5, 1974. Together they eventually settled back in the Richardson area where they raised their two daughters and provided a home filled with unconditional love and much laughter. His role as a Dad was his greatest achievement and most cherished experience, and he was an involved and supportive father. His greatest legacy was instilling unconditional love, strong faith, family values, integrity and loyalty. Steve was an active member of Woodcreek Church where he served in the outreach programs, men’s bible study, community group, ushering, and anywhere they could use his help. His greatest achievements, aside from his family, were mission trips to both Mexico and South Africa. He served at the Network of Community Ministries in the food bank for the last several years, and enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships made there. His love and compassion for others was evident and allowed him to live out his faith. During the last few years of Steve’s life, his heart was filled even more with love for his beautiful grandchildren. He loved family days, watching football-especially the Dallas Cowboys-all together, grilling out, listening to great music, and he cherished family vacations to Destin, Florida. His passions for great music, delicious food, and time with family were shared and known by all who were acquainted with him. A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at Woodcreek Church, 3400 E. Renner Rd, Richardson, TX 75082 on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 4 pm, followed by a brief reception. We will never be the same without our Pa, but we celebrate his life and praise our Savior for the gift he was to all of us. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Network of Community Ministries in Richardson.
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