David Edwin Bridger

David Edwin Bridger, 80, of New Hampton, Missouri, passed away November 8, 2020 at the Daviess County Nursing Home in Gallatin.

David, the son of Gerald Bridger and Ellen (Cox) Roberts was born January 23, 1940 in Harrison County, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents Fay & Virgil Cox and Wood and Minnie Bridger.

David attended elementary school in New Hampton and high school at Lafayette and Central in St. Joseph.  While in high school he was a member of the ROTC.  As a young teen, David was a talented artist, working as a sign painter in St. Joseph.  Many of his signs were displayed around the city. He painted by free hand farmers names on their trucks, and pencil drawings of family and friends’ babies.  He could draw anything that he was asked to do.

David began dating Marlene Weese when she was just 13 years old. They were married March 19, 1960. They celebrated 60 years of marriage this year.

He drove a semi for a while on his own, then drove for Davis/Snyder Quarries for many years.  Later, a mechanic, he partnered with his cousin Dennis Cox, purchasing the gas station in New Hampton from Don and Jack Walker, working until his health declined.

In New Hampton, David drew and painted on the back of the Mr. Meat building, the New Hampton Centennial bus and the stage background for the centennial assisted by Dianne Gibson.

His grandchildren were the light of his life.  He believed babies were supposed to be held all the time, so he did.

He loved drag racing, raced his own car, owned a 55 Thunderbird and a new 750 Honda Motorcycle.

Survivors:  wife, Marlene; son, Monte Bridger; daughter, Angela (Ray) Helmes; grandchildren, Haylee, Ethan and Truman, all of New Hampton; sisters, Jura Calloway, Emily Kennedy; brothers, Ted, Ernie and Steve Bridger; many nieces and nephews.

Private family graveside service.  There is no scheduled family visitation, however friends may call anytime from 9:00 – 12:00 on Wednesday, November 11 at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany. The family requests that masks be worn. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Foster Cemetery in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO  64402.  Online condolences:  www.robersonpolleychapel.com