Donald Willis Bridge was born on June 28, 1924 in Clearwater, Nebraska to James and Almira (Harvey) Bridge. He attended country grade schools until he and his family moved to Spencer, Nebraska when he was in the sixth grade. He graduated from Spencer High School in 1941.
Don volunteered for military service and was inducted into the Army on his 20th birthday. He served from 1944 to 1946 in the Pacific theater and was wounded at Ie Shima. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
On March 6, 1948, he married Phyllis Mahlendorf. That same year, Don began work for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, as a machinist, and continued working for the railroad until 1962. He then moved to Pickstown, South Dakota, where he was employed by the Corps of Engineers at Ft. Randall Dam. In 1963, he and Phyllis bought a farm near Wagner, South Dakota. They lived on the farm until Don transferred in 1977 to Detroit Dam in Oregon. He lived in Mill City until 1984, when he retired and moved to Woodburn, Oregon.
He was a member of the Woodburn United Methodist Church and served as trustee and in other offices. He volunteered much of his time to his church. He was also active and involved in volunteer work at Senior Estate Golf and Country Club. He and Phyllis moved to Cascade Park Assisted Living in February 2015.
Don enjoyed family and loved to play music and sing. He was a member of church choirs wherever he lived, as well the Senior Estates Men's Chorus and Mixed Chorus.
He will be missed by friends and his surviving family, including his wife Phyllis, his children Nancy, married to Curt Seiders; Jim, married to Elaine Marchesi Bridge; and Diane, married to Jack Landau; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandhildren; and a brother Richard.
Memorial service will be held at Woodburn United Methodist Church, Fri. Nov. 20. 2015 at 2:00 PM at Woodburn United Methodist Church.
Private Interment at Willamette National Cemetery.
ARGT by Simon-Cornwell Colonial Chapel .