Blelve Leon Bridges

Blelve Leon Bridges, 76, a former mayor of Teague for one term, passed away Oct. 23, 2019, in Tyler with family at his side.

He was born Jan. 1, 1943, in Mt. Vernon to the late James Leon and Zoe Dean Peterson Bridges. He attended Overton High School and went to Kilgore College and Stephen F. Austin State University. His love of business led him to own and operate the Piggly Wiggly in Fairfield, as well as several convenience stores in the Tri County area known to many as Jif-E-Mart and Pronto’s.

Bridges can be remembered as someone who supported the youth and many youth activities from coaching little league and sponsoring their teams to 4-H projects and encouraging their developments. He consistently donated ice to each of the games four times a week.

Bridges also served on many town committees as well as serving as city councilman and member of the Rotary Club for many years. He later settled back to his hometown of Overton with his friend and wife, Glyna Ballard Bridges, until his death.

He is survived by his wife, Glyna Ballard Bridges; brother-in-law, Chris Roska and niece Jessica, also by Elmer and Patti, Billy and Sue, Melvin and Lillian, Susian and Herb, Slinda and Mickey and many more nieces and nephews and great-nieces and numerous nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Leon and Zoe Bridges and sister Alice Kay Bridges Roska.

Pallbearers were Chris Roska, Jay Shaw, Jim Shaw, Richard Ross, Josh Kerzee, Ray Garrett, Casey Story and James Light.

Honorary pallbearers were Jeremy Ballard, Jamie Ballard, Philip Ballard, Ethan Ballard and Luke Sams

Funeral services were Saturday, Oct. 26, at Cottle-Pearson Funeral Home in Overton and graveside services were at Purley Baptist Church Cemetery in Purley , with the Rev. Atwell Hankins, Bishop Mike Peterson and Honorable Rev. Dean Peterson officiating.

Visitation was Friday, Oct. 25, at Cottle-Pearson Funeral Home.

Online registration and condolences are available at www.cottlefuneralhome.com.