Rev. Donald Calvin Bridges

On Monday, January 15, 1963, God blessed Mr. Willie Calvin and Mrs. Leola with their 1st child, a beautiful boy which they named Donald Calvin Bridges. Don lived, laughed and loved with pride and passion until his journey was completed on Thursday morning, November 1, 2018 in the comfort of his home where he pulled off his mortal robe of flesh and returned to his Maker.

Don received his primary and secondary education in the El Dorado Public School District and was a member of the Class of 1981. After graduation he embarked on military career but returned home in four years.  He went on to receive many certifications and certificates of completion for vocational schooling varying from welding to biblical studies.

Although Don had several jobs and career opportunities; such as his last position at the El Dorado Water Company, but his main lifelong position was given to him by God to preach the Gospel. He began serving God by feeding His sheep on May 29, 2002 when he preached officially for the first time. In 2004, the Lord sent him to Friendship Baptist Church in Mt. Holly to serve as pastor for four years. The St. John Missionary Baptist Church family was overjoyed to have him serve as assistant to their beloved pastor Rev. Barry Dobson for the next five years. He then served First Missionary Baptist Church in Harrell, Arkansas where he remained as their proud but humble pastor until his transition.

Donald was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life Andrea and although no children were born in this union they parented two wonderful sons and one goddaughter.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

His life will forever be cherished in the lives of his First Lady Andrea Bridges of El Dorado, AR; two sons, Cornelous (Michelle) Bridges Sr. of Bastrop, LA and Franco Mitchell of El Dorado, AR; one goddaughter, Jalisa (Michael) Brown El Dorado, AR; one brother, Jeffrey (Margie) Bridges of Urbana, AR; four grandchildren, Cornelous Bridges Jr, Darrius, Jaquarius and Tyquarius Scott all of  Bastrop, LA; god-grandchildren, Ke-Sean Jennings, Michael III and Kay-Leigh Brown all of El Dorado, AR; one sister/cousin, Brenda (Michael) Philson of Arkadelphia, AR; one brother/cousin, Raymond (Lane) McMurrian, one god-sister, Letitia Butler; five sisters-in-law, Veronica (George) Drummond, Samantha Austin, Linda (Chris) Williams, Marsha (Demetrius) Johnson and Melissa Hart; three brothers-in-law, Larry(Shun) Moore, Kenneth Kirk and Chundrae Hart; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Public visitation will be Friday, November 9, 2018 from 1-4pm at Sims Mortuary with the family hour Friday, November 9, 2018 from 6-7pm at First Baptist Church Harrell. Funeral services will be Saturday November 10, 2018 at 2:30 pm at Douglas Chapel Baptist Church. Interment at Mt. Zion #2 Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook online at www.simsmortuary.com