Fred Bridges

November 12, 1932 - April 26, 2019

Fred Bridges, 86, of Oskaloosa, died Friday, April 26, 2019, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. He was born Saturday, November 12, 1932, in Martinsburg, Iowa, the son of Clifford and Hazel Sheridan Bridges. Fred graduated from Lacey High School with the class of 1949. Following high school Fred entered the United States Navy, where he proudly served for 21 years, of which 13 were spent at sea. Fred’s service spanned the Korean and Vietnam war eras. He earned the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer as an Aviation Support Equipment Technician, Naval Air Crew. While serving he met and later married Anna Smith, to this union four children were born; Kimberly, Danny, Darren, and Karen. They later divorced. He retired from the Navy in 1971. Following retirement, he moved to Oskaloosa. On November 12, 1994, Fred was united in marriage to Judy McBurney in Oskaloosa. With this marriage Fred welcomed her children Michelle, Heather, and Spencer. He worked at PAMCO for 18 years. He then took a job with Mahaska County Soil Conservation. He retired from Mahaska Co. Soil Conservation at age 65. He remained active in retirement by working at the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds. Judy preceded him in death on December 13, 2007. On September 26, 2008, Fred was united in marriage to Cindy Ruby at the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa. Fred was happy to welcome Cindy’s daughter Roxann and her children into his family. From the age of five, when his uncles taught him to drive a team of draft horses, Fred had a passion for horses. He joined the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Posse in 1972, he was a longtime member of the Oskaloosa Saddle Club and Pony Express Riders of Iowa. He joined the Draft Pony Association in 1985, participating in horse shows, trail driving, Living History Farms Horse and Buggy Days, and the Iowa Horse Fair, where he offered harnessing and driving clinics. In 1989, he joined the Mid-Iowa Driving Association and served as president for two years and on the Board of Directors for nine years. In 2012, Fred capped off his horse showing career with his induction into the Draft Pony Hall of Fame at the Iowa State Fair, “The granddaddy of them all.” He was an active member of the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa and enjoyed many church activities. In addition to his distinguished military career Fred remained active and served as an officer with the Fleet Reserve Association, the American Legion, and V.F.W. He was active on the Honor Guard for many years and presented countless flags to families of fallen veterans. Fred made it a priority to attend his grandchildren’s activities. He enjoyed visiting with his friends at coffee at Julie’s Cafe, doing puzzles, gardening, and working with wood and metal. At the age of 80 he decided he needed a new hobby and started playing golf. Throughout life Fred and his brother Ed had a very special bond. From working on the family farm together to serving countless hours at Legion and V.F.W. activities, “Fred and Ed” were loyal friends to the end. His family includes his wife Cindy Bridges of Oskaloosa; his children, Kim (David) Hols of Runnells, Danny (Teri) Bridges of Oskaloosa, Karen (Jim) Reeves of Leighton; step-children, Michelle (Bruce) Vander Meyden of Oskaloosa, Heather Brown of Oskaloosa, Spencer (Kelly) McBurney of Odessa, Texas, and Roxann (Justin) De Ronde of Oskaloosa; 18 Grandchildren, Kristi (Kevin) Berg, Justin (Courtney) Braden, Eric Bridges, Shane Bridges, Jessica (John) Anderson, Clint Reeves, Ryan Ruby (Todd Williams), Nicole (Brad) Ross, Chase Patton, McKenzie McBurney, Cheyenne Patton, Mallory Vander Meyden, Jay Vander Meyden, Connor McBurney, Landon Van Dyke, Logan Van Dyke, Jennah DeRonde, Dayne Gardner; 10 great grandchildren; his brother Ray “Ed” Bridges of Oskaloosa; nephew, Mike (Beth) Bridges of Oskaloosa; niece, Connie Bridges-Leib of Oskaloosa; and several cousins, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and friends. Fred is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Judy Bridges; and a son, Darren Bridges. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at First Christian Church in Oskaloosa with Pastor Alvern Boetsma and Reverend Molly Goodrich officiating. Graveside Military Honors will be given by Fred’s Honor Guard friends of the Oskaloosa Honor Guard. Arrangements are by Bates Funeral Chapel. Visitation will begin Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at First Christian Church in Oskaloosa. Family will be at the First Christian Church from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 Wednesday evening to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church or Oskaloosa Honor Guard.