Chester Bridgeman

Chester Lee Bridgeman, 85, of Mt. Vernon, died at 8:00 AM, Thursday, April 21, 2005 at Deaconess Hospital. Chester was born March 1, 1920, in Monticello, KY, son of John W. and Josie (Harmon) Bridgeman. Chester retired from Sohio Oil Company in 1984 after 44 and a half years. Chester was a WW II US Army Veteran and a member of Mt. Vernon General Baptist Church where he was an usher and in the Men’s Bible Class. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Randy Joe in 1967, a brother, Glen Bridgeman and sister Artie Matthews.
Chester married Ethel Wray, September 5, 1941 and she survives. Also surviving are 2 sons and daughters in laws, Arnold L and Charlene. and Ricky L. and Donna Bridgeman both of Evansville; a daughter in law, Brenda Ketchum of Mt. Vernon; brothers, Kelly and J.R. Bridgeman of Carmi, IL, O.D. Bridgeman of Grayville, IL and George Bridgeman of Indianapolis, IN; 2 sisters, Hollis Webb of Carmi, IL and Lois Noland of Indianapolis; 5 grandchildren, Amanda Bridgeman, Randy Joe Ketchum, Tim Bridgeman, and Steve and Brent Ketchum; 5 great-grandchildren also survive.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM, Saturday, April 23, 2005 at Austin Funeral Home, 1330 East Fourth Street Mt. Vernon, IN with Rev. Matthew Watson officiating. Friends may call from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Friday, April 22 and from Noon until service time on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Bellefontaine Cemetery in Mt. Vernon. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Mt. Vernon General Baptist Church.