Donald Gerald Bridges

Donald Gerald Bridges, 75, of Leachville, died Monday, March 2, 2015, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Born in Leachville, he was the son of the late John and Innis Owens Bridges and had lived most of his life in the Leachville and Monette areas. A 1957 graduate of Monette High School, he later served in the Army National Guard, and was of the Baptist faith.

As a young man, Donnie was an outstanding athlete, excelling in baseball, and was invited to the Boston Red Sox training camp. He lived for several years in Rock Falls, Ill., where he retired as a supervisor for Northwestern Steel and Wire. Donnie was an avid fisherman, and following his retirement, he returned to Northeast Arkansas and spent much of his time fishing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Pat Martin Bridges.

Survivors include, a sister, Carolyn Bridges of Leachville; a niece, Natalie Burrow; a great-niece, Deven Burrow, and a great-nephew, Dillon Burrow. He also leaves his daughter, Karen Hagen of Oak Island, N.C., and two granddaughters, Erin Hagen and Lindsay Parker.

Graveside funeral service was 2 p.m. Friday March 6, in the Leachville Cemetery with Rev. Jerry Reed officiating. Burial was under the direction of Howard Funeral Service of Leachville. The family received visitors Friday from 12:30 until service time at the funeral home.

Guest register: www.howardfuneralservice.com