Obituary for Cleve Bridwell

Cleve Duane Bridwell passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2015. He lived every moment of his 52 years to the fullest.

Cleve was born on November 8, 1962 to Bill and Barbara Bridwell. Born and raised in Ponca City, Cleve was involved in his community throughout his life. From the age of five onward, he remained an active and enthusiastic member of his home-away-from-home at the Opportunity Center. There, Cleve attended school, worked a variety of jobs and formed special lifelong relationships with the wonderful staff and clients.

Cleve always looked forward to his Sunday routine. With a harmonica in his pocket, he first attended Special Sunday School at First Baptist Church, where he loved his teachers and friends. Then, he would walk across the alley to join his family for a service at First United Methodist Church. Afterwards, Cleve and his father went out for a round of golf. Though he never shied away from the clubs, his favorite spot was in the driver’s seat of the golf cart, where he loved tuning in to “A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor” followed by “Car Talk.”

A terrific athlete, Cleve also enjoyed swimming, riding his bike and helping herd cattle on his Four Wheeler at his dad’s farm. In 1991, a chance meeting with Barry Switzer led to Cleve’s invitation to represent Oklahoma in the International Special Olympics powerlifting category. Like all things in his life, Cleve met this opportunity with great gusto and went on to receive several medals for Oklahoma. Striking a pose, he was featured on the cover of Special Olympics Oklahoma magazine. He was not only a great representative of his state, but also his country: Patriotic Cleve loved the red, white and blue, saluting every officer or soldier in uniform he passed and holding his hand proudly over his heart any time the National Anthem played.

To Cleve, no one was a stranger. If he met you, you were immediately a friend. He was a natural performer, and The Cherokee Strip Golf Classic was always an exciting event for him and other Opportunity Center clients. There, he and his friends sang in a group choir and socialized with the many attendees. By the time Cleve left the event, there was no hand left unshaken.

In his later years, Cleve was excited to move into his own place at the group home. There, his incredibly patient and loving houseparents and caregivers became a second family for Cleve and his loved ones.

Cleve is survived by his parents, Bill and Barbara Bridwell of Ponca City; his granny, Thelma Nation of Tulsa, OK; his sister, Angela Kinsinger, her husband David and their children Abby, Alex and Amelia of McKinney, TX; his sister Kim Stoner, her husband Steve and their children Dillon, Ally and Brynn of Tulsa, OK; his aunt, Sandy Bare; his aunt and uncle, Setha and Rudy Lucero; his aunt and uncle, Bob and Bonnie Bridwell; his aunt, Judy Nation; his aunt, Sandra Thomas; and his many, many loving cousins.

Cleve received an abundance of love from many, but no love compared to the love he gave them all in return.

A memorial service to celebrate Cleve’s life will be held on Friday, July 3 at 1:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Opportunity Center: 2225 North Union.

Source: Trout Funeral Home