Mr. Richard L. “Dick” Bridgewater, 76, of Hutsonville, Illinois, passed away at 11:58 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in the Emergency Room at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson, following an apparent respiratory collapse.
Richard was born on July 8, 1948, in Sullivan, Indiana, the son of Virgil L. “Pee Wee” Bridgewater and Lenora F. (Harris) Bridgewater. He attended Hutsonville High School and just prior to graduation, Dick joined the U. S. Army. He later earned his GED. In October 1969, he married Nancy Barrett, and though their paths later separated, they remained very close friends as they shared the journey of raising their family.
A dedicated tradesman, Richard worked for 40 plus years as a proud member of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers. He was a longtime member of Iron Workers Local 439 in Terre Haute, Indiana (now local 22, Indianapolis, IN). His commitment to his craft was matched only by his love for his family.
Surviving Dick are his children: Rich (Alicia) Bridgewater of Flat Rock, Illinois; Matt (April) Bridgewater of Ft. McCoy, Florida; Bruce (Shawnia) Bridgewater of Terre Haute, Indiana; and Sarah Woods and Anthony Abbott of Robinson, Illinois. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Brayden Goff, Robinson, Illinois; Ciarah and Zach Hetzler of Robinson, Illinois; Allison Bridgewater and Thomas Conley of Flat Rock, Illinois; Airaina Bridgewater of Ft. McCoy, Florida; Aubree Bridgewater of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Myra and Trevor Magill, Sullivan, Indiana; Madyson and Michael Fraker, Sullivan, Indiana; and his sister, Donna Stephens of Hutsonville, Illinois. Richard was blessed with great-grandchildren Axel Conley, Aiden Hetzler, Adriann Hetzler, Auzzy Bridgewater; Jade Magill, Sullivan, Indiana and Maverick Fraker, Sullivan, Indiana.
Preceding Richard in death are his parents, his sister Phyllis Fowler, and her husband, Fred Fowler and Brother-in-law Loren Stephens; a nephew, Kevin Lowrance.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Pulliam Funeral Home in Hutsonville, Illinois. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment of cremated remains will follow at Hutsonville Cemetery in Hutsonville, Illinois.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Crawford County Humane Society with envelopes available at the Robinson and Hutsonville Funeral Homes
Richard’s legacy of hard work, resilience, and devotion to his family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Comments