William Bridgewater Obituary

Graveside services for lifelong Cortez resident William Franklin "Bill" Bridgewater will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 1 at Cortez Cemetery. Chaplain Marvin Graves will officiate.

Bill was born the son of Bonnie Franklin and Laura (Treece) Bridgewater on Feb. 10, 1928 in Cortez. He passed away on Monday, May 28, 2012 at his residence at the age of 84.

Bill founded William F. Bridgewater Trucking in 1947. He was a life member of the Cortez Elks Lodge and was a member of the Ute Mountain American Legion Post #75. In his free time, Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing. Bill's friends and family will tell you he was happiest driving his truck.

Surviving Bill are his sons, James W. Bridgewater and wife Puff, and Donald K. Bridgewater and wife Emily; and his stepdaughter, Vici Pierce, all of Cortez. Bill also leaves behind his beloved wife of 25 1/2 years, Christine Trentman of Cortez; nine grandchildren, Stacey, Jarvis, Jamie, Anthony, Michelle, Monica, Amanda, Halle, and Cayden; 13 great-grandchildren; his siblings, James E. Bridgewater and Twila Switzer, both of Cortez; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; by his brother, Harold G. Bridgewater; and by an infant brother and sister.

Memorial contributions may be made in William F. Bridgewater's name to Hospice of Montezuma P.O. Box 740, Cortez, CO 81321.

Services are under the direction of Ertel Funeral Home. For further information or to send condolences, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.