Marvin David Bridegam

Marvin David Bridegam, 89, of Columbia City, Indiana passed away Monday, June 23, 2025, surrounded by family. Born September 3, 1935, in Thorncreek Township, Indiana he was a son of the late Carl and Loretta (Armel) Bridegam. Marvin graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1953. He served in the United States Army active duty for two years at Fort Knox and an additional two years in the reserves. On April 30, 1958, he married Ellen Cunningham at Burr Oak Baptist Church in Albion, Indiana. He worked for Whitley County Motor Sales (Thomsons) as an auto body repairman for 50 years. As part of his job, he was offered opportunities to further his knowledge with educational seminars. He and Ellen went to Detroit for a final test and while there he was given a prize of the use of a Corvette for a year. He was a member of First Church of God where he served as a greeter and in other needed capacities. Marvin was a leader in 4-H for 25 years and also coached the bicycle relay racing team. He enjoyed fishing, vegetable gardening and sporting events on TV. He also loved to attend his grandchildren and great grandchildren's activities. Camping was also a favorite of Marvin's as he loved to take the family along with him. For many years Marvin and Ellen square danced. Traveling was another favorite of the family, but Marvin and Ellen were able to visit all 50 states. He and Ellen were able to take a few trips alone to Hawaii, Alaska and out west after retirement. Marvin is survived by his wife, Ellen Bridegam; children, Janet (Stephen) Shearer, Brian (Lynnette) Bridegam, Nancy Bridegam, Cindy (David) Wakeman, and Leon Bridegam; daughter-in-law, Debbie; grandchildren, Emily (Ryan) Day, Miranda Shearer, Ryan (Kaitlyn) Shearer, Jake Bridegam, Katie (Tanner) Moore, Jamie (Mike) Steiner, Justin (McKenzie) Swaidner, Hannah (Tyler) Bridegam, Makayla (Adam) Helton, Caleb Wakeman, Landon Wakeman, and Braden Bridegam; 12 great grandchildren; sister, Irene Gagnon; sisters-in-law, Karen Bridegam of Columbia City, Indiana and Karen Bridegam of Texas; and many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents Marvin was preceded in death by his son, Carl Bridegam; grandsons, Thad and Chad Shearer and Derek and Danny Bridegam; brothers, Harold Bridegam, Paul Bridegam, Von Bridegam, Thomas Bridegam; and sisters, Garnet Pettigrew, Patricia Gates, Aletha Sills. Visitation will be 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 10:30 am on Monday, June 30, 2025, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, with calling one hour prior. Burial will take place at Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given in memory of Marvin to Whitley County 4-H, Lifewise or Bear Lake Camp. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Marvin's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.