Melvin Shelby Bridges

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Music was a special part of his life shared with his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, and their families.

Melvin Shelby “Mel” Bridges, 86, of Culver, Oregon, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Mel was born on June 25, 1940, in Portland, Oregon, to James R. and Lora E. Bridges. He was the eldest of five boys and a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Mel graduated from Crow High School in 1958 and married his beloved wife, DeLoris Butler, in 1959. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1962, beginning with the Navy Reserves from 1956 to 1958. From 1958 to 1960, he served on active duty aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14). During his years of service, Mel traveled throughout the Pacific, visiting Hong Kong, China; Yokosuka, Japan; and Subic Bay in the Philippines, with stops in Hawaii, Midway, and Guam. He completed his military service on inactive duty in Eugene, Oregon, from 1960 to 1962. Mel was proud of his service to his country, and those years became an important part of his life and the story he shared with his wife, DeLoris.

After returning home to Eugene and completing his military service, Mel and DeLoris began a family. Mel began a lifelong career in insurance sales in the life and health industry. He dedicated many years to his family and his profession before retiring at age 67. Mel and Deloris moved to Lake Billy Chinook outside of Culver, Oregon in 2006. They spent the next 20 years enjoying Central Oregon and living a quiet life above the lake.

Mel was a self-taught musician and an avid electric lead guitarist. Music was a special part of his life shared with his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers and their families, and friends.

Mel is survived by his wife of 67 years, Deloris Bridges; his son and daughter-in-law, Danny and Lynn Bridges; his daughter and son-in-law, Mickie and Mike McMurray; six grandchildren, Lindy, Jesse, Jordan, Brittany, Caitlin, and Brandon; and three great-grandchildren, Jaylen, Kayslin, and Carter.

Private services will be held in October.