In Remembrance Of
Glen Bridger
Darrell “Glen” Bridger, 59, of Platte City, MO passed away peacefully February 20, 2025.
He was born on August 5, 1965 to Larry Ted and Carole Ann (Parks) Bridger in Albany, MO. He grew up in Platte City and graduated from Platte County High School in 1983.
On September 15, 2001 he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Carey Sue Turner. After their marriage they lived in Platte City where they made their home.
Glen was a 3-sport letterman at Platte County which led to a baseball scholarship in college. His love for sports continued throughout his life. He could talk for hours about the Kansas City Royals, Chiefs and MU Tigers.
Glen’s mom Carole bought his first guitar when he was 13. This sparked his love for music. He taught himself guitar by studying many different musicians and bands. But he was especially influenced by Eddie Van Halen. Glen became well known in the Kansas City music scene. He played for local bands Faze One, Toymaker’s Dream, Baloney Ponyz, London Drive, and Bridger.
In 2006 Glen got the opportunity to join the rock band Head East as the lead guitar player. He played with Head East for more than 15 years. He always enjoyed meeting people and made many new lifelong friends. In addition to playing the guitar, Glen was a song writer. As a side project, Glen wrote and recorded a CD called Bridger with Terry Ilous (from XYZ and Great White).
Outside of music Glen loved his family. He had a nickname for everyone. He was all about having fun and always had a smile on his face. He enjoyed traveling and spending time at the lake. He could spend hours telling stories with his brothers. Becoming “Grandy” was Glen’s greatest joy. This is no surprise to anyone who has seen the countless videos he posted of the “goofballs”.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Carole Ann Bridger; niece, Shannon; and nephews Shane and Josh.
Glen is survived by his wife Carey; children Mitch Black (Chelsea) and Manda Clements (Cody); granddaughters Nora, Thea, Lakin, and Nellie; father Ted Bridger; siblings David Bridger (Dorothy), Shane Bridger (Jody), Greg Bridger (Tracy), Chuck Reed (Debbie), and Aimee Gianessi (Frank); several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Memorial Service: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 4th at the First Baptist Church in Platte City with visitation following until 8:00 p.m.
Arrangements, Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville.
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Service Details
5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 4th at the First Baptist Church in Platte City
Visitation following the service until 8:00 p.m.
Comments & condolences
27 comments
David Trussell
Just learned of Glenn’s passing. So stunned. Knew Glen from following Toymakers Dream, London Drive, Head East. Such a nice guy. Wishing the best for his family.
John & Carol Miller
Had fun with “Glen”and Headeast band members after a gig at the Roof Garden in Okoboji, IA. We all went to a karaoke bar afterwards and had a blast. R.I.P. bud! My condolences to the family.
Tim Scanlon
Knew Glen from occasional Keno visits to Tanners on a few Fridays. ALWAYS upbeat, happy-go-lucky dude, LOVED to talk music and the Royals. If there’s a rock-n-roll heaven, you know they gotta HELLA guitar man now!!
Lana Summers
I have known Glen since he was little. We all knew the Bridger family growing up. Wonderful memories and wonderful people. I am still in shock over his sudden death. I think we all are. He was a fantastic musician and a great person. He stayed humble and kind, that’s just who he was. I send my condolences to his family and friends he will definitely be missed. His legacy will live on through his music and the his teaching others how to play guitar. His legacy to all of us was the just being Glen a wonderful smiling man, friend, husband,father, son, uncle, and grandfather. I feel blessed to have known him and want to thank God for giving us such a blessing in Glen.🙏🙏🙏🙏
Chris Cundiff
Mr. Glen Bridger on lead guitar. Had so many great riffs, but out of the so many I could choose, was the magnificent sound to the opening of Say Yeah. Many times I backed it up and played it over and over. He definitely is The Guitar Man. May your music be enjoyed forever!
Margaret Fahndrich
the first time I met Glenn when you come to my hometown and played in my friend’s bar. he was a very kind very polite person. that’s where I met the group and fell in love with them. he will be greatly missed from the group. too bad I didn’t get to know Glenn a little bit more but his memory will live on in the music the times I’ve seen them play I wish you all the best of luck
Bill Whittle
Wow….I just spoke with Glen on the phone the Thursday before his passing . We talked for about 15 minutes.. I remember the first time I met him andd Ray Morris…..They brought their guitars to a field party back in the 70s. they were about 14 yrs old. The asked if they could jam with the bands. They were both fairly good back then. My condolences to Glens family. RIP my friend.
keith ellis
vern, you will be missed by many !! to say that we will miss you is an understatement glen, you are and always have been a great friend of many, rest in peace bridger !!!
Lisa Dow
Glen was fun, kind, and very talented. So glad we were able to get to know him. He will be missed. May he rest in pace.
Melissa (Mel) & Brian Reynolds
Prayers to all of Glen’s family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Me and my husband have known Glen since his London Drive days. He was an amazing musician and wonderful person. He always spent time chatting with us. We are grateful to have known Glen and call him a friend.
Bill Dykman
To Glen’s family and loved ones,
Cherish the memories of Glen and your times together.
Praying for your comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Peace and Grace,
Bill Dykman
May 1982 Graduate of Platte County R-3 High School
Kimberly Hecker
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Marion Kelley Williams
So sorry the hear of Glens passing! We have not been close since graduation- but I have followed Glen and Carey’s family and adventures on FB. My mom and Carole were friends and I recall the first time we visited the family home in Platte City. Sending my heart felt condolences to my classmates and a great family! 💕
Kenny Bowers
this weather we broke my heart into pieces when I seen this posted on the 20th, I’m at Glen when I was about 17 years old in St Joseph Missouri. through mutual friend and he used to get me into bedrocks to watch his band Faze One. I have a Star Struck from that moment, many years I spent hanging out with him at shows after shows with a mutual friend Chris we both worked for him at the music store driving his Corvette or his Porsche after a gig going back to his house and hanging out so many memories I’ll never forget him teaching me some Van Halen songs that I had problems with I too start a guitar at 13 and if I got stuck I’d go to Glen and he’d teach me a trick or two or the right chord progression. I never seen any mad or without a smile he always greeted You by name I haven’t seen him for a few years due to health reasons and him traveling a lot but I will forever miss that guy that I called Boss Man. love you Glen, and will be praying for your whole family.
David Williams
I admired Glen from a far. We met several times. He liked my guitar playing and he inspired me to practice more. Our tribute band opened for Head East when Glen was in the band. We enjoyed meeting and talking about music gear. He will be missed. Rock On my friend ✌🏻& ❤️
Christie Ellis
Glen was very nice guy and he love the shows and love the band he be sadly missed by his fans iam so sorry to his family
Bob Pennington
I was heartbroken to hear this news. I considered him a great friend and incredible musician. Rest in Peace my friend.
Johnny Fineout
I loved that man!
Paul Berrian
Glen was always shining every time I seen him. A true family man, a wonderful musician and an amazing person. Still in shock and my heart breaks for his family and other friends. Sending strength and prayers to everyone during this time.
Patty Shenberger-O'connell
Glen was a wonderful musician, a good friend and a great man. He will be missed dearly. Sending lots of thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends. Carey we are thinking of you. My hearts breaks for all his friends and family. Rip Glen 🙏
Sheryl Relyea (Hohimer)
Prayers to all of Greg’s family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. Glen will always be a part of my PCHS memories. I would never have liked AC/DC without his influence 😊
Danny Judy
So sorry to hear about Glen’s passing.
Anthony "Tony" Smith
Godspeed to my favorite rock-n-roll superstar! I know you & Eddie VH are shredding some strings in a music-filled heaven! Rest in peace, my brother, friend, team-mate, class-mate & favorite rock-n-roll superstar!
Sandi Lauer
I was very saddened to hear of Glen’s passing last week. I send love and prayers to the family for strength and healing. Cherish your memories! Rest in peace, Glen.
Scotty Hoyle
Glen was a good man and friend..will be greatly missed.. my condolences to the family
John Wallis
Glen was always there to chat with and let know what he felt about always enjoyed talking music with anyone.
Tammie Elton
My heart brakes for you all he was a great person a good friend so hard to believe praying 🙏