1931
Ralph
2015
Ralph Bridwell
September 2, 1931 — April 29, 2015
Graveside service for John "Ralph" Bridwell will be 10 a.m., Fri., May 1, at Woodlawn Cemetery under the direction of MMS-Payne Funeral Home & Cremation Service. A memorial service will be 11 a.m., Fri., at First Presbyterian Church. Pastor Tom Launius will officiate. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Thurs. 1-8 p.m., and family will greet friends 6-8 p.m.
Ralph passed away Wed., April 29, 2015, at the Claremore Veterans Center at the age of 83.
The son of Virgil and Margaret Kerney Bridwell was born September 2, 1931 in Claremore, Oklahoma. As a young boy he was raised in Claremore. After graduating from Claremore High School in 1949, Ralph joined the United States Army. His service to his country took him to Korea, where he served as a tank driver. Upon his discharge he returned home to Claremore. There a short time later he was introduced to Mary Jo Casey. They quickly fell in love and were married on December 31, 1954 in Claremore. Ralph worked hard to provide for his family. Over the years he worked for McDonnell-Douglas, and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. However in 1963 Ralph began working for American Airlines. For over 27 years he worked in the Landing Gear and Machine Shop, working his way up to crew chief. After his retirement in 1990 Ralph began focusing on the things he enjoyed most. He especially enjoyed fishing, but also enjoyed hunting and woodworking. He made many crosses and step stools donating the proceeds to his church. Ralph was an Elder of First Presbyterian Church and a member of the building and grounds committee for several years. He was a member of the VFW, Isaac Walton League Hunting and Fishing Club, NRA, and TWU Local Trans 514. Ralph was always helping people, and loved spending time with his family.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Jo of the home; daughters: Linda Caffey and husband, Keith of Chelsea, and Lisa Melton and husband, David of Claremore; grandchildren: Sarah Roach and husband, Eddie, Jr. of Moore, John Melton of Okmulgee, and Katie Jo Caffey of Chelsea; and great-granddaughter, Kaycee Roach.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Eva Jean Bridwell and Ida Kate Wix.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 102 E. 4th St., Claremore, OK 74017.
Ralph passed away Wed., April 29, 2015, at the Claremore Veterans Center at the age of 83.
The son of Virgil and Margaret Kerney Bridwell was born September 2, 1931 in Claremore, Oklahoma. As a young boy he was raised in Claremore. After graduating from Claremore High School in 1949, Ralph joined the United States Army. His service to his country took him to Korea, where he served as a tank driver. Upon his discharge he returned home to Claremore. There a short time later he was introduced to Mary Jo Casey. They quickly fell in love and were married on December 31, 1954 in Claremore. Ralph worked hard to provide for his family. Over the years he worked for McDonnell-Douglas, and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. However in 1963 Ralph began working for American Airlines. For over 27 years he worked in the Landing Gear and Machine Shop, working his way up to crew chief. After his retirement in 1990 Ralph began focusing on the things he enjoyed most. He especially enjoyed fishing, but also enjoyed hunting and woodworking. He made many crosses and step stools donating the proceeds to his church. Ralph was an Elder of First Presbyterian Church and a member of the building and grounds committee for several years. He was a member of the VFW, Isaac Walton League Hunting and Fishing Club, NRA, and TWU Local Trans 514. Ralph was always helping people, and loved spending time with his family.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Jo of the home; daughters: Linda Caffey and husband, Keith of Chelsea, and Lisa Melton and husband, David of Claremore; grandchildren: Sarah Roach and husband, Eddie, Jr. of Moore, John Melton of Okmulgee, and Katie Jo Caffey of Chelsea; and great-granddaughter, Kaycee Roach.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Eva Jean Bridwell and Ida Kate Wix.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 102 E. 4th St., Claremore, OK 74017.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ralph Bridwell, please visit our flower store.
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Friday, May 1, 2015
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
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