Friday, April 3, 2026 2:00 pm

Kenneth Warren Bridges ("Ken") passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, at Carolina Care Health and Rehabilitation in Cherryville, North Carolina, at the age of 76. A beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Ken will be remembered for his funny and witty spirit and, above all, his heart of gold.

Ken had a way of making people laugh, often with his quick humor and sharp wit. Beneath it all was a deeply kind and generous man who cared greatly for the people in his life.

He was born on October 26, 1949, to the late Hershel and Dorothy Bridges in Cleveland County, North Carolina.

Ken was a devoted member of Double Springs Baptist Church, where he formerly served as a deacon and Sunday School secretary. He worked for Porter Brothers of Shelby and United Southern Industries in Forest City, and he retired from his favorite job as the owner of Taters Cafe and Eatery in Lattimore, North Carolina.

Ken is survived by his wife of 43 years, Karen Crane Bridges; his sons, Todd Bridges of England and Preston Bridges and his wife Heather of Aberdeen, North Carolina; the lights of his life, his two grandchildren, Paxton and Avett Bridges; and his lifelong friend, his "sister," Hilda Hawkins.

Throughout his life, Ken built a life centered around his family, his faith, his work, and the things he loved.

A funeral service will be held 12:30 PM Monday, April 6, 2026 at Double Springs Baptist Church with Pastor Dale Byrd officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Double Springs Baptist Church 1130 Double Springs Church Rd Shelby, NC 28150 or Life Enrichment Center of Shelby: 110 Lie Enrichment Blvd Shelby, NC 28150

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.