July 6, 1919-May 3, 2015 A lifelong resident of Springfield, Chris was born to C.C. and Flo Savanah Bridwell, the eldest of four children. He spent his youth fishing, hunting, and searching for Indian arrowheads on the farm where he was raised. Chris was an avid fly fisherman and an expert marksman. He graduated from Willard High School and became a machinist apprentice before joining the Army during World War II. While stationed in Puerto Rico as a Master Sergeant, he met his wife of 71 years, Maria. After serving 4½ years in the service, Chris and Maria returned to Springfield to raise a family. Chris spent several years at Link Motor Supply where he worked with Charles F and Chub O'Reilly. In 1957 he joined O'Reilly Automotive as one of the founding partners. He was most proud of his contribution to the success of the company where he spent the rest of his career until retiring in 1985. He regarded his business customers as friends and maintained those relationships for many years. After his retirement, Chris was active in the Fly Fisherman's Association where he volunteered many hours teaching the next generation the sport about which he was so passionate. He also enjoyed many fishing and hunting trips with his brother Paul and friend Jerry. Chris was an avid coin and stamp collector and shared this interest with all his grandchildren. Chris and Maria enjoyed traveling and spending many holidays with their children and grandchildren around the country. He was a lifelong member of University Heights Baptist Church where he served on the Board of Deacons for many years and was also active in many of the outreach programs for the church. Chris will always be remembered for his integrity, kindness, love of the outdoors and pride in his country. Chris is survived and will be dearly missed by his loving family: wife Maria; daughters Sue Lewis (John), Ana Walle (Vandorn), Elisa Bridwell; son Phillip Bridwell; grandchildren Mary Ransom, Lisa Rios, Corrina Knight, Rochelle Meisner, Tia Walle; great- grandchildren Jonathan Weber, Jessica Weber, Harley Young, Christopher Rios, Emily Rios, Leyana Knight, Mariah Knight, Max Meisner, Ben Meisner, Emma Meisner; and three great great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sister Mary Schahuber; brother Paul Bridwell; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Jim. The memorial service will be held Saturday morning at 10:00am at University Heights Baptist Church - 1010 South National Ave, Springfield, MO 65804. Online condolences may be made at www.gormanscharpf.com