BRIDWELL, Oliver (Stark)

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ January 29, 1992, p. 2 Oliver “Stark” Bridwell, 90, a longtime Wickenburg resident and well-known horseshoer and horseman in the region, died January 26 at his home in Wickenburg. Mr. Bridwell was born October 24, 1901 in Paris, Kentucky. He lived in Wickenburg for the past 30 years. He was the subject of a Wickenburg Sun Feature article last fall and had been recognized by the Desert Caballeros for his contributions to their yearly ride. At age 10, Mr. Bridwell and his father moved from Kentucky to the Metlen Ranch in Dillon, Montana where Stark attended school and did ranch work. He later moved to Denver and worked at the Ford Plant. He married Lillie Smith in 1926 and continued to work in the auto paint and body business until the late 1950s, except for a few years at Remington Arms during Worked War II, owning his own shop for years. In the late 1950s he began working as a wrangler for ranches in Wickenburg and Virginia Dale, Colorado areas. He took up horseshoing in the early 1960s and continued this trade until age 86. Stark Bridwell had a lifelong love of horses and participated in several rodeo events, primarily calf and steer roping. A lifetime achievement award presented to him by the Desert Caballeros was one of his prized possessions. He was also proud of his many friends. He was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Wickenburg. Memorial services for Mr. Bridwell will be at 2pm Saturday, January 31 at the First Southern Baptist Church. Pastor Delbert Henderson will officiate. Private disposition will be conducted. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Maricopa Division, 1445 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix 85014 or the Arizona Lung Association, 102 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix 85003.