Vern Baldridge of Bluford

Vern Baldridge, 92, of Bluford, Illinois, passed away at 12:20 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022 at Green Tree assisted living center 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 St. 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 U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in California when Chuck Yeager 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 at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022 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 more details.