Bob Bridewell

Bob Bridewell, 87, of Springfield, formerly of Thompsonville, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Springfield Memorial Hospital with his loving family by his side.  Bob was born July 10, 1935, in Saline County, the son of Rural G. and Dottie Bridewell.   Bob graduated from Thompsonville High School in 1954.  He married Geraldine “Gerry” Eubanks on May 3, 1957, in Benton, Illinois with Rev. Harv Kimmel presiding.

Bob loved cars and had over 53 years of experience in the automotive business.  He began working at Glen Weeks Auto in West Frankfort, Illinois.  He then worked at Caruthers Cadillac and Pontiac Dealership until he opened his own business, Bridewell’s Body Shop and Auto Sales, in 1969 and retired in 2007.  He was a past member of the Benton Elks Lodge, where he was a past Exalted Ruler, past member of Benton Bocce Club, and past member of the Akin Masonic Lodge.  He was of protestant faith.  Bob loved auto racing, attending local races when he was younger every weekend, and was a NASCAR Fan, never missing a race on the television in later years.  He also loved to trade and sell farm machinery.  After moving to Springfield to be closer to his family, he loved spending time with his great- grandchildren and hearing all about their sports and activities.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Gerry Bridewell, one child, Jaye Bridewell Miller, granddaughter Shannon (Nick) Bellini, and great-grandchildren Seiger Dunston and Gianna Jaye Bellini.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews along with many cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents Rural and Dottie Bridewell, and his wife’s parents Deck and Ruth Eubanks.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Brother Larry Miller officiating; burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.  Visitation will be from noon to 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Elks Children’s Care; and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Bob, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

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