Benjamin Franklin Bridgeman

Benjamin Franklin Bridgeman, 76, passed away at 8:56pm on Thursday, February 21, 2019, at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was born on November 5, 1942, in Alton, the son of the late Curtis and Joanna (Crain) Bridgeman. He married the former Laura Meisenheimer in 1970 in Alton and she preceded him in death on July 25, 2011. Survivors include a daughter: Dorothy Rye of Charlotte, Tennessee, four sons: Ben Bridgeman of Champaign, Fred Smith of Rosewood Heights, Pat Bridgeman of San Antonio, Texas, Matt Bridgeman of Alton, fourteen grandchildren, several great grandchildren, two sisters and a brother in law: Mabel and Lyndell Smith of Flora, Illinois, Mary Shaw of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, two brothers and sisters in law: John and Sharon Bridgeman of Godfrey, George and Sue Bridgeman of West Virginia, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends. Ben was formerly employed as a cab driver. In accordance with his wishes, cremation rights have been accorded.