In the News ... "'Julian Bridges, 91, was passionate yet compassionate with all"

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• His dedication to community and mission work left a legacy

By Greg Jaklewicz, Reporter
• Abilene Reporter-News

ABILENE, TEXAS - Julian Bridges' youngest daughter believes her father's name described him perfectly.

"I always thought God predestined my dad to have the last name Bridges because that's what he did all of his life," Marelyn Bridges Shedd said. "He built bridges between people and tried to meet people in the middle to where they would understand each other better.

"He saw value in every single person. He believed every single person was here because God had a purpose for them." Julian Bridges taught for more than 30 years at Hardin-Simmons University.

Bridges, a Hardin-Simmons University sociology professor and head of the social work department, served one term on the Abilene City Council, elected in 1982. He was mayor pro tempore in 1984.

He and then-Billye Proctor-Shaw were elected as Citizens for Better Government candidates the same year. She was the second woman elected to the council.

Bridges, who would've been 92 on Monday, died March 20 ...

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