New Zion Cemetery

Chandler, Lincoln County, Oklahoma

© Parks Brothers Funeral Home
Submitted by: Terry Dudley

Merlin Dale Bridge

Submitted by: Terry Dudley

February 11, 1938 ~ March 7, 2022

Merlin Dale Bridge was born to Merlin J. Bridge and Alpha Fay (Mendenhall) Bridge on February 11, 1938, in Chandler, Oklahoma. He married Frances Ruth Burk on June 9, 1960, in Chandler, and to them, was born 5 children.

Merlin serviced in the United States Army from April 24, 1962, to August 20, 1967. He was stationed in Fort Eustis, Virginia. He worked freight dock at T.O.X. Merlin and his children worked for his dad for many years doing landscaping throughout the OKC metro area. He later became a heavy equipment operator. At one time, he and Frances worked together doing road construction. He built pole metal buildings for years all over the United Sates. This was a great experience that his family was a huge part of. His wife and kids worked side by side him for many years.

Merlin worked for Chandler Public Schools for 21 years as, in his own words, as a “custodial/maintenance engineer.” Throughout his working years, Merlin cut trees, mowed lawns, and painted houses. If he didn’t have the equipment for the job, he created it. Once he even created a traffic jam on Steele Street, by the courthouse, while cutting a tree. His technique was so unique, people were amazed.

Merlin was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Frances; his infant son, Darrell; a brother and best friend, Tony Bridge and his wife, Linda; sisters, Lenora Bridge, and Lillie Estrada and her husband, Angelo; and a grandson, Peter Young.

Survivors include, two sons, Merlin Randale and Christie Bridge of Davenport, Oklahoma, and Darrin Bridge of the home; two daughters, Darlene Boring of the home, and Sharla Huckabey and husband Mike of Tazlina, Alaska; one sister, Alpha Sue Parker of Del City, Ok.; grandchildren, Andrew, Edward (Wendy) Boring, Amanda (Dave) Evans, Chad Selcer, Matthew and Shawna (Chris) Bridge, Brittany (Dalton) Want, Alexa (Braxton) Gilleland, Zac Burns, Sam (Nicole) Burns, Ashley and Sasha Huckabey, and LaShonda (Erick) Cook; 25 great-grands, and 2 great-great-granddaughters; as well as many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends he considered family.

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