Obituary of Dorothy Bridger Eglin

Dorothy passed away at her residence in Baton Rouge on March 31st, exactly ten months after joyously celebrating her 100th birthday. A native and resident of Columbia, Louisiana, until she was thirty, she moved to Baton Rouge in 1946 where, other than a brief stint in Nashville, she resided the rest of her life. Dorothy was preceded in death by her mother, Zella Connor Bridger, her father, Archie Dixon Bridger and her husband, William Ray Eglin whom she loved dearly. She leaves her devoted children, Margo Bridger Eglin, Archie Bridger Eglin and wife, Merrill Faye. Her memory will be carried on by her three grandchildren; Connor Bridger Eglin and wife, Lauren, Rachel Eglin Frazer and husband, Shawn, and William Dixon Eglin and wife, Kasey and eight great grandchildren, Hudson, Howell and Davis Eglin, Emily and Julia Frazer and Addison, Porter and Merrill Eglin. They all were the light of her life. She was affectionately known as "Dot" to all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She treasured her many friends, relatives and neighbors as they brought much joy to her life. Her witty, gracious, giving personality and genuine concern for others enriched the lives of all she knew. Adventuresome, independent, and loving, Dot lived life to the fullest. As a teenager, driving before licensing, her parents told stories of their phone ringing off the hook with complaints as she "dusted" folks while driving with friends on unpaved roads. This was long before air conditioning when neighbor's families frequently congregated on their front porches-- Her dad's car being one of a few at the time was easily identifiable. After high school, Dorothy went to LSU in the magical mid 1930's, where Robert Penn Warren was her English Professor. While earning her degree, she attended legendary train trips to away football games arranged by Governor Huey Long, learned to play golf from friends who were part of the National Championship golf team of that era, and established lasting bonds with her treasured Kappa Delta sorority sisters. After graduating from LSU, she returned home to teach fifth grade at the Columbia School. During this time she learned to fly in "crop dusters" and was among the earliest licensed female pilots. She married her husband of 56 years, Bill Eglin, at her parents home before he shipped off for World War II service in the Pacific Theater. She moved back to Baton Rouge after the war when Bill became a Professor in the Education Department at LSU. In 1975, she was elected as a director of Caldwell Bank and proudly served for 21 years the institution her father faithfully served for 70 years, allowing her to continue to grow her roots and form bonds in the hometown she so dearly loved. In her later years, with her mind razor sharp until the day she passed, she cherished surprise visits from her family, friends, and neighbors (who always left a visit with a smile); spent countless hours writing thoughtful, kind, encouraging letters; and supported many charities. Funeral service will be at the First Methodist Church in Columbia, La., at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 3, 2017, with visitation beginning at noon. Please come by and visit with us at the Bridger home after the burial. Honorary pallbearers will be past and present directors, officers and employees of Caldwell Bank and Trust. The family would like to thank her doctor, Dr. Bryan, Bienvenu, Dr. John McLachlan, and faithful caregivers, Ruby, Donna, and Harriet. Memorials may be made in memory of Dorothy to The Hospice of Baton Rouge, First United Methodist Church, Columbia, La., or a charity of your choice.