Samuel Lloyd Bridges

Samuel L. Bridges, 82, Independence, MO passed away Nov. 20, 2017. Services will be 11 am, Sat., Dec. 9, at the First Presbyterian Church of Independence, 100 N. Pleasant St, Independence, MO 64050; graveside service will follow at 2:30 pm, at Houstonia Cemetery, Houstonia, MO. Visitation will be 5-7 pm, Friday at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. The family requests contributions to the First Presbyterian Church of Independence.
Sam was born Nov. 7, 1935 in Parma, MO. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Sam had a strong work ethic. He grew up working on the family cotton farm and began driving the tractor as soon as he was old enough. He dropped out of Risco High school to help his father work the crops. He had a thirst for an education and began taking correspondent courses right away after leaving school. He later completed his G.E.D. and some hours from Central Missouri State College. He trained to be a dental lab technician in the military and that’s the career he pursued after leaving the military. He worked as a supervisor for Hansen Dental Lab for thirty-three years and then for the Kansas City Royals for eighteen years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Independence for many years and was a member of the choir, served as an Elder and enjoyed the Men’s Breakfast Club. He was a past Boy Scout leader and a member of American Legion Post #21. Sam was a coin collector and enjoyed traveling and playing guitar. He was an avid Royals fan.
Sam was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-six years Virginia Bridges. He is survived by daughter Jennifer Wesselman and husband Matt, Independence, MO; son Bryan Bridges, wife Lori and daughter Karina, O’Fallon, MO; and sister Bonnie Smith, Grand Prairie, TX.