Lawrence J Bridges

Lawrence Jordan Bridges, 88, of Urbana, Missouri, passed away on February 28, 2026, in Springfield, Missouri. Lawrence was born on December 22, 1937, in Urbana, Missouri, to Alpha Thomas Bridges and Mary Virginia (Jordan) Bridges. He grew up in Urbana and graduated from Urbana High School, where he met the love of his life, Mary Nettie Johnson. The two were united in marriage on June 16, 1956, beginning a lifelong partnership built on faith, family, and hard work. In 1957, Lawrence and Mary moved to Santa Paula, California, with their infant daughter, Debbie. While in California, their family grew with the addition of their son, Larry, and daughter, Dian. Lawrence worked a local milk route during those years before the family returned to Missouri in 1963. Upon returning home, Lawrence opened a Chevrolet dealership in Urbana. In 1968, the family moved to Harrisonville to establish another dealership before eventually returning to Urbana in 1981. There, Lawrence and his family farmed for several years before starting a third Chevrolet dealership and later started Bridges Implement in Urbana. Following the sale of his businesses in the mid-1990s, Lawrence devoted himself fully to farming. Lawrence was a dedicated businessman, farmer, and family man. He enjoyed traveling with Mary and cherished trips to National Parks with their great-grandchildren in their fifth-wheel camper. He faithfully served his community as a board member of O’Bannon Bank, Bank of Urbana, Hickory County R-1 Schools, the Lions Club, and the advisory board at OakStar Bank. A longtime member of First Baptist Church in Urbana, Missouri, Lawrence was saved and baptized there and remained steadfast in his faith throughout his life. Lawrence is survived by his son, Lawrence Wayne “Larry” Bridges of Springfield, Missouri; his daughter, Dian Lee (Kelly) Nunn of Urbana, Missouri; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alpha and Mary Bridges; his beloved wife, Mary Nettie Bridges; his daughter, Debra Lynn Bridges; a great-great-granddaughter, Morenci Lynn Brown; and his siblings, Evelyn Kamien, Tony Bridges, and Stephen Bridges. Lawrence will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, unwavering faith, and deep love for his family and community. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he cherished. Services are scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026, with visitation from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Formal service will begin at 12, Noon, with Pastor Dale Brown Officiating. Burial will follow at Hopewell Cemetery in Polk County with Chase Glor, Rhett Glor, Jett Johnson, Gage Johnson, Jamie Duncan, and Matthew Johnson serving at pallbearers. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo, Missouri.

Lawrence J Bridges

December 22, 1937 - February 28, 2026