Vern Baldridge, 92, of Bluford, Illinois, passed away at 12:20 am on January 22, 2022, at Green Tree in Mount Vernon, Illinois.
He was born July 24, 1929, in Bluford to the late Homer and Fair (Gibson) Baldridge. Vern married Vivian (Esmon) Baldridge in 1949. They were blessed with over 70 years of marriage. In addition to his beloved wife, Vern is survived by his grandson, Robert C. Curtis and wife, Deborah of Saint Louis, Missouri; and son-in-law, Jim Curtis of Harrisburg, Illinois. In addition to his parents, Vern was preceded in death by his daughter, Clyda Sue Curtis; sister, Norma Jean Shelton; and close friends, Lloyd and June Esmon.
Vern proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed at the Edwards Air Force Base when Chuck Yaeger broke the sound barrier. Vern worked for IDOT for many years. Vern also owned and operated Baldridge Trucking until the age of 91. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be deeply missed. A
Graveside Service will be held Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 1:30 pm at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois. Interment will follow. Full Military Honors will be conducted at the cemetery. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
