Joseph Leon Bridges, 83, of Sweet Springs, MO, died Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at The Living Center in Marshall, MO.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Marshall with Rev. Chuck Riddle and Rev. Wayne Doolin officiating. Burial will follow in Ridge Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 18, 2025, at Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Marshall. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Joseph Leon Bridges Memorial Scholarship for Sweet Springs High School or Show-Me Christian Youth Home of LaMonte, MO. An online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com
Leon was born on February 28, 1942, in Marshall, and was the son of the late Eldon Bridges and Josephine Eddy Bridges. On November 24, 1961, he married Carol Adele Stark who survives at the home. Leon and Carol have three children, Jim Bridges (Lisa) of Marshall, MO, Lynn Crowley (Ken) of LaSalle, Ontario, Canada and Allen Bridges (Johnna) of Lake Ann, MI. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Edwin Bridges, Andrew Bridges, Alysia Brooks, Kenneth Crowley, Derrick Crowley, Scott Crowley, Garrett Bridges and Keegan Bridges; six great-grandchildren and a sister, Joyce Moore of Liberty, MO.
Leon was an active member of First Baptist Church in Sweet Springs and served as a deacon. He served the greater Saline county community by being active in several organizations and serving on various boards. Some of those were serving on the Sweet Springs R-7 Community School Board, being a founding member of the Public Water Supply District Board, Saline County Fair Board and the Saline County Extension Council, Leon was also very active with 4-H and with the 4-H Junior Leaders. Leon enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, hunter, and all around outdoors enthusiast. He was a sports enthusiast and was a fan of the the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals and St. Louis Cardinal. But above all the professional sports, he found much more happiness watching his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren play sports.
Leon farmed his whole life and was always willing to lend a helping hand to a neighbor or stranger alike. He had a memorable laugh and always lit up a room with his presence. He touched the lives of all he met and will be missed.