Wendell R. 'Tinker' Bruce

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Wendell R. "Tinker" Bruce, 73, of Eldorado, formerly of Ridgway, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20, 2008, surrounded by his family and friends after a sudden short-term illness.

He was born on June 26, 1935, in Ridgway to the late Marshall "Tinker" and Maude (Akes) Bruce. On Feb. 6, 1959, he married Shirley Thurman of Norris City.

Tinker was a plant manager for Wabash Valley in Ridgway for 38 years. He was a lifetime member of Knights of Columbus and L.A. Lambert Council No. 1581 in Ridgway. Also, he was a volunteer fireman for Ridgway Fire Department for 39 years. He loved being with his family and friends. Tinker was a very caring person and has touched many lives throughout his lifetime. He will be sadly missed by all, especially his coffee drinking buddies.

He is survived by his daughter, Regina and Scott Artman of Eldorado; his son, Chris and Rebecca Bruce of New Deal, Texas; half-brother, Harry and Anna Mae Naas of Mt. Ulla, N.C.; sister-in-law, Bonnie and Ken Kline of Bloomingdale; brother-in-law, Jerry Leon Thurman of Xenia; special friend, Barbara Allen of Raleigh; seven grandchildren, Jared and Erica Bozarth, Jacqlyn and Hunter Artman, Alyssa, Kaitlyn and Jaden Bruce; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents; his wife of 38 years, Shirley; special friend, Barbara Collins; two brothers, Budd and David Bruce, and stepbrother, Harold Akes.

Visitation will be at Vickery Funeral Chapel in Ridgway from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 2008. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2008, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ridgway with Father Joseph Lawler officiating. Burial will follow in Ebenezer Cemetery in Norris City.

Internet condolences may be made at the Internet site www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com.