Willard Bridgeman, age 87, of Hannibal, Missouri, passed away on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Beloved Health & Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Smith Funeral Home & Chapel. Burial will follow at Grand View Burial Park with full military honors provided by Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post #55.

Visitation celebrating Willard's life will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Willard was born on February 25, 1939, in Berryman, Missouri, the son of Noah Silas and Mary (Adair) Bridgeman. He grew up in the Steelville, Missouri, area.

He was united in marriage to Virginia Davis on July 8, 1961, in Hannibal, Missouri. Together, they shared sixty-five wonderful years of marriage. She survives him.

Other survivors include his six children, Wanda Garrett (Richard) of Hannibal, Missouri, Terry Bridgeman of Hannibal, Missouri, Rhonda Dotson (Tim) of Salem, Missouri, Donette Holman and Joe Holman of Hannibal, Missouri, Tony Bridgeman (Angie) of Hannibal, Missouri, and Tracy Bridgeman of Hannibal, Missouri; grandchildren, Shane, Rachelle, Jen, Bryan, Cody, Jordan, Tarah, Macayla, Cole, Phillip, and Andrew; fourteen great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Joy Rollin and Lorene Buffington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Bridgeman was preceded in death by his brothers, Charlie, Gene, Bob, and Raney; and sisters, Bessie Whittaker, Betty Richardson, and Patty Ann Murray.

Willard proudly and honorably served his country in the United States Army. Following his military service, he worked for several years in the logging industry and as an auto mechanic.

Away from work, Willard enjoyed gardening, fishing, reading, making lawn ornaments, tinkering with cars, and watching Westerns while enjoying a bowl of popcorn. Above all, he treasured spending time with his family. Willard held the special title of the family's official "Baby Whisperer," a role that reflected his gentle nature and love for those closest to him. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him.

Mr. Bridgeman was Southern Baptist by faith and had accepted the Lord as his Savior.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Loving Care Hospice, in care of Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Pallbearers will be Shane Dotson, Cody Holman, Cole Holman, Jordan Bridgeman, Joe Holman, and Tim Dotson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Aiden Garner and Richard Garrett.

Online condolences may be made to the family, and Willard's video tribute may be viewed on his memorial page at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com