Alvin L. Bridges

Dr. Alvin L. Bridges 82, founding physician of Bridges, Campbell & Woodall, died at Community Hospital on Monday, July 16, 2007 after an extended illness. He was a graduate of Dayton, OH, Dunbar High School and the University of Dayton. He received his medical degree from Meharry College in Nashville, Tenn. Dr. Bridges was a World War II veteran, with the 92nd Division "The Buffalo Soldiers" in Italy during 1944-1946. In 1954 Dr. Bridges came to Anderson, IN, to begin his family practice at The Bridges Medical Clinic. He expanded his practice with Dr. Campbell joining him in 1966 and Dr. Woodall in 1973, later forming the practice of Bridges, Campbell & Woodall. Dr. Bridges retired in 1991. He was the founding Chairman of the Department of Family Practice in 1974 at St. John's Medical Center, Anderson, IN. He served as Chief of Staff at Community Hospital in 1985 as well as chairman of other hospital committees. He co-authored a publication in the Journal of Internal Medicine for studies done with the University Of Cincinnati Medical School. His memberships includes: the Charter Diplomate and Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice, NAACP, and he was one of the founding members of the chapter ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY at the University of Dayton in Dayton, OH. He was a member of St. Mathew United Methodist Church serving as a trustee and on other committees. At the time of his passing was a member of the Allen Chapel AME Church. Dr. Bridges has devoted his efforts toward youthful enlightment and motivation, by working with elementary students, and he and his family was also involved in providing services to the Indians on the Rosebud and Pine Ridge Reservations in South Dakota. He was the first black physician to establish a health clinic in Anderson. In 1979, he was listed among "The Best Family Physicians in America". Dr. Bridges leaves to cherish his memory his wife Lois (Blanks) Bridges; sons Alvin L. (Genell) Bridges Jr. Gilbert, AZ, Keith L. Bridges, Los Angeles, CA, Cornelius Bridges, Indianapolis, IN; daughter Lori D. Bridges, Peru, IN. 3 grandchildren. Services: 1:00p.m., Saturday, July 21, 2007, at Allen Chapel AM E Church, 1610 Sheridan St Anderson, IN with visitation 10 a.m. until to 1p.m.. Burial: Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements: Glazebrooks Funeral Services. Memorial contributions may be given to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or the Allen Chapel AME Building Fund.