Dwight Bridge, 88, beloved husband and father, passed away on July 13, 2023.
Dwight was born on May 5, 1935, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Arlo and Mildred Bridge. He grew up on a farm west of Fort Wayne and was a proud 1953 graduate of Arcola High School. Dwight attended Butler University and was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He worked as a house boy in the Tri Delta sorority house at Butler and flirted his way into the heart of Tri Delt member Penny Jones from Chicago. Dwight and Penny, farm boy and city girl, were married on October 17, 1957, and enjoyed a wonderful marriage of 65 years. They began their life together in Indianapolis but moved to Lebanon, Indiana, 48 years ago.
Dwight started as a meter reader at Indianapolis Power & Light and worked his way up into management in IPALCO’s Customer Service department.
In the early 1970s, Dwight earned his insurance license and began selling life and health policies for Manulife before breaking away and starting his own independent insurance agency in Lebanon, Indiana, in 1975. The D.E. Bridge Insurance Agency was a fixture on the westside of the square in downtown Lebanon for many years.
Dwight was a role model in so many ways to his two boys, Scott and Todd. He showed them how to be a good husband who loved and respected his wife. Dwight had a tireless work ethic, a positive attitude, and a sincere respect for everyone around him. Dad knew no strangers and he always had time for his family. He could fix anything.
Dwight belonged to many organizations over the years including Jaycees, Sertoma, Boone Lodge #9 F.&A.M, Murat Shrine Indianapolis, Boone County Shrine Club, Lebanon Elks Lodge #635, Antelope Club, Columbia Club, Optimist Club, Mecca Club, and Gyro Club. He treasured his membership in the Lebanon Rotary Club. Dwight and Penny belonged to Ulen Country Club in Lebanon for many years and he enjoyed golfing at Ulen. He was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Lebanon.
Dwight is survived by his wife, Penny, sons Scott Bridge (Maryann) of Columbus, Indiana, and Todd Bridge of Greenwood; grandchildren Megan Bridge and Ryan Bridge and Evan Bridge; greatgrandchild Everleigh Ross; sister Karen Cholminsky; nieces Cindy Watson, Lisa Thomas, and Kim Longoria, and nephew Kyle Greenwood.
Dwight was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Irle, grandson Steven Bridge, and nephew Kevin Bridge.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 10am until noon at Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon, Indiana 46052 with the funeral service at 12:00 pm. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Boone County Senior Services, Inc. or to the Lebanon Rotary Club for Scholarships or to the donor’s favorite charity.
