H. Devane Baldridge

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Howard Devane "Mr. B." Baldridge, 82, of Monette died Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro. He was born Nov. 30, 1926, at Cardwell and was the son of the late Walker and Elsie Grady Baldridge. He was a veteran of World War II, past master of the Monette Masonic Lodge 558 and worthy patron of Eastern Star. He was a former school teacher, principal and superintendent of public schools in North Little Rock, Carlisle, Clarendon, Holly Grove and Monette.

He had been a Methodist minister since 1957. He also served on the Monette City Council, the board of NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro and the Craighead County Equalization Board in Jonesboro.

On Oct. 6, 1945, he was united in marriage to Martha Hout. To this union three children were born.

His son, Mitchell Wayne Baldridge; and brother, Raymond Baldridge, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Martha Baldridge of the home; daughters, Linda Matthews of Cabot and Patricia Adams and husband, Harry M. Jr., of Monette; daughter-in-law, Patsy Bedford of Cave Springs; seven grandchildren, Warren Matthews, Ashley Alvarez, Rebecca Graddy, Allison Alvarez, Jaclyn Matthews, Lela Adams and Harry M. Adams III "Bo;" 12 great-grandchildren, Jordan Vaughn, Dillion Alvarez, Sarah Beth Vaughn, Jeryn Berg, Austin Keigley, Brandon Alvarez, Emma Graddy, John Phillip Matthews, Aiden Neldon, Ella Grave Schlenker, Molly Jane Alvarez and Alanna Neldon; and sister, Amanda Copeland of Stigler, Okla.

A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Friday in the United Methodist Church at Monette with Jerry Reed and Evert Isom officiating.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. March 14 in Macey Cemetery at Monette. Hoggard & Sons Funeral Home of Piggott is in charge of the arrangements.

The family requests anyone wishing to leave a lasting memorial consider the Monette United Methodist Church.