Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Robert Bridges Obituary
December 15, 1940 - May 26, 2025
Belleville, Illinois - Robert Barton Bridges, known as "Bart," was born on December 15, 1940, in Missouri. He was adopted in April 1941, by LaDaw and Frank Bridges, both professors at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Bart passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Naples, FL, where he and his wife, Glenda, moved in 2021.
Bart attended Carbondale Community High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, lettering in football, basketball, tennis, and track. In his senior year, he qualified for the Illinois state doubles championship in tennis.
He majored in mathematics at Southern Illinois University before deciding to pursue a career in medicine. In 1963, Bart worked as an orderly at Doctors Hospital in Carbondale, where he met Glenda Burgard while delivering her a tray following an appendectomy. Just six months later, they went on their first date, and within a month, they were engaged. They were married on June 20, 1964.
Bart attended medical school at Saint Louis University, graduating in 1968. He then completed an internship in Phoenix, Arizona, followed by a residency in radiology in St. Louis.
In 1972, Bart enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Major with the 101st Airborne Division in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. In 1973, he was honored with the title of Kentucky Colonel.
After his military service, Bart returned to Belleville, Illinois, in 1974 to join Belleville Radiologists at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, where he became a partner and served as Chairman of the group for several years until his retirement in 2001.
Throughout his life, Bart was dedicated to community service. He served on the Belle-Scott Committee, the Signal Hill School Board, and the St. Clair Country Club Board. An avid sports fan, golfer, and pianist, he also enjoyed playing cards with his friends.
Bart was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Franklin Bridges and LaDaw Wainscott Bridges.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Glenda Burgard Bridges; three children, Mark (Nikki) Bridges, Trisha (Terry) Feely, and Becca (Jim) Combs; five grandchildren, Colin Feely, Nick and Rachel Bridges, and Mason and Skyler Combs; and his sister-in-law, Wanda Burgard.
Bart was a man of great humor, warmth, and kindness. The ultimate caretaker, mentor, husband, father, and friend, he was beloved by all. Those who knew him would describe him as someone with a heart full of love, who never met a stranger and didn't have a mean bone in his body. As one of his late friends shared at his 70th birthday party, "Everyone's goal in life is to be a Bart-what a winner."
He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105 or avowcares.org. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com
A celebration of life will be held at a later date this summer in Belleville, IL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bridges
Sponsored by Belleville News-Democrat.
5 Entries
PHIL ODOM
July 31, 2025
A SLOW SALUTE - TO A FELLOW VETERAN AND A NATIONAL HERO
THANK YOU - FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.
We will remember you always and miss you dearly.
Take your Warrior's rest for a duty well done.
For the Family:
Even though I've never met your loved one,
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy for your loss.
May the force of GOD be with you as you walk through this difficult time.
May the loving promises of our LORD and Savior comfort you
and give you peace and understanding.
As a grateful Veteran, I hope you accept this as a small token of appreciation
for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one to our Country.
SEMPER FI
SGT. PHIL ODOM
FOX CO. WEAPONS PLATOON
2ND BATTALION/1ST MARINES
U. S. MARINE CORPS
AND VIETNAM VET
[email protected]
"For those who fought for it, Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know"
PHIL ODOM
June 2, 2025
A SLOW SALUTE - TO A FELLOW VETERAN AND A NATIONAL HERO
THANK YOU - FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.
We will remember you always and miss you dearly.
Take your Warrior's rest for a duty well done.
For the Family:
Even though I've never met your loved one,
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy for your loss.
May the force of GOD be with you as you walk through this difficult time.
May the loving promises of our LORD and Savior comfort you
and give you peace and understanding.
As a grateful Veteran, I hope you accept this as a small token of appreciation
for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one to our Country.
SEMPER FI
SGT. PHIL ODOM
FOX CO. WEAPONS PLATOON
2ND BATTALION/1ST MARINES
U. S. MARINE CORPS
AND VIETNAM VET
[email protected]
"For those who fought for it, Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know"
Bruce Cook
June 1, 2025
He was a heck of a guy, and I am lucky to have been his friend.
Linda Watson
May 30, 2025
I can't think of anyone I thought of more than Bart,he was the most caring man I've ever known and he and Glenda were one!!! All my love to Glenda and their family...my sincerest condolences.
Susan Baker
May 28, 2025
Tim and I loved visiting Bart when we were in St. Louis for SLU Medical School reunions. He was such a wonderful man! So kindhearted!
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Bridges's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Bridges
Funeral services provided by:
Renner Funeral Homes - Belleville120 North Illinois Street, Belleville, IL 62220
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Bridges's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
