Don L. Bridges

Don L. Bridges, 86, passed away surrounded by his family, December 27, 2013 in Panguitch, Utah. He was born July 5, 1927 to Laura Matilda Nay Bridges in Circleville, Utah. He married the love of his life, Lucile Miller, July 18, 1953 in Fredonia, Arizona. She preceded him in death in 2002.

Dad was a hardworking man who always provided for his family. But he also played hard. Dad was a farmer, mechanic, truck driver, and lawn wrangler as Mom liked to call him. He retired from Kaibab Industries, but continued to work well into his late 70’s as a truck driver. Dad was not one to sit still for long. He continued to maintain his lawn wrangler job until he went to Page, Arizona to live.

Family picnics and mountain outings were a constant in our lives. It was out in the hills to hunt a rock, get a load of wood or just to see some scenery.

Music was a constant in the truck or car where we sang or listened to the radio. At home it was around the piano with Mo m or Grandma playing.

We spent many hours at the cabin at Panguitch Lake fishing and having good family fun.

Dad had a special love for hunting elk and deer. The elk hunt was reserved for Dad and his boys to go and have a good time with their friends. Deer hunting was a whole family event, again with good food and lots of laughing and joking.

Dad loved to pull pranks and play jokes on everyone all in good fun when you least expected it. It was not uncommon to find a wet pointed napkin stuck in your ear, or for him to come out dressed in some special outfit or hat to make us all laugh.

Camping was a favorite pastime, even if it was just a short ride to Tom Best by the lone tree and red knob. Many trips were taken to his favorite spot Griffin Spring and then to explore the mountain

He is survived by his children: Russell Don (Annette) Bridges, Randal Miller (Debra) Bridges, Martin Del (Shaneil) Bridges, all of Panguitch, Utah; LeAnn (Clarence) Herron, Page, Arizona; 24 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Riley W. Miller and sisters-in-law: Virginia Gibbany and Delene Bridges.

Also preceded in death by his mother; son, Jonathan Bridges; granddaughter, Linda Marie Bridges; great-granddaughter, Oaklee Lynn Sidwell; 2 brothers, and 6 sisters.

Graveside services and interment will be held Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in the Panguitch Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.

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