East Alton,

Billy Gene Bridgeman, 90, passed away at 7:23 a.m., Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at his residence with family close by his side.

Billy was born November 7, 1927 in Louisiana, Missouri.  He was a son of William and Lucy (Abner) Bridgeman.

He and the former Katherine Hankins were married March 28, 1952 in Alton. She passed away April 25, 1995. On October 12, 1997, Billy married Dorris Bell.  She also passed away on November 21, 2003.

Billy worked as a Millwright for the Laclede Steel Co. in Alton for 40 years, retiring in January of 1991.

Survivors include one step daughter Rosemary Kay Osburn of Bethalto; two stepsons, Walter "Jack" and Judith Hankins of Carlinville,  John Hankins of Gillispie; three sisters, Janet Tite of California, Shirley Johnson of Hardin, Joyce Looker of Jerseyville; one brother, William Bridgeman of Joliet; 15 grandchildren; many great and great-great-grandchildren.

Besides Katherine, Dorris and his parents, Billy was preceded in death by one stepdaughter Fayetta Lee Newby; two stepsons Russell Hanks and Burton Ross; one sister, Sadie Sue; one half sister, Karen Fender; one half brother, Charles David Wells.

A celebration of Billy's life will begin at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, April 7, 2018 until service time of 11:00 a.m. at Gray Funeral Home in Wood River. Pastor David Landry will officiate.

Burial will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.