June 6, 1953 – July 5, 2014

NATCHEZ — Services for Daniel Reed Bridgewater, 61, of Natchez, who died Saturday, July 5, 2014, at his residence, will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Riverside Baptist Church with the Rev. Spruce Derden officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery under the direction of Bateaste Memorial Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Mr. Bridgewater was born June 6, 1953, in Natchez, the son of Henry and Essie Duncan.

He was a retired teacher.

He received an associates degree in electrical engineering.

He was the youth pastor at Riverside Baptist Church and also played bass guitar.

Mr. Bridgewater was preceded in death by his former wife, Kathy H. Bridgewater; his parents; one brother, Tommy Bridgewater; and one sister, Jane Franklin.

Survivors include his loving wife, Melba Bridgewater; two sons, Robert D. Bridgewater and Matthew T. Bridgewater; three step children, Krystal Clark, Jacklyn Fairchild and Benjamin “Ben” Hennen; a beloved daughter-in-law, Karen Bridgewater; seven grandchildren; and a number of nephews and nieces.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Bridgewater, Coulter Streetman, Joe Tetlow, Joseph Sumrall, David Fryoux and Mike Collier.

Online condolences may be made to bateastefuneralhomes.com.