Howard Devane Baldridge

Howard Devane "Mr. B" Baldridge, 82, of Monette, died Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at NEA Baptist Medical Center in Jonesboro.

He was born Nov. 30, 1926, in Cardwell, Mo., to the late Walker and Elsie (Grady) Baldridge and was married Oct. 6, 1945, to Martha Hout.

He was a veteran of World War II, Past Master of the Monette Lodge #558 and Worthy Patron of the 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 was a Methodist minister since 1957. He also served on the Monette city council, the Board of NEA Hospital in Jonesboro and the Equalization Board in Jonesboro. He was an avid fisherman "crappie only" and banjo's "meanest" picker and, most of all, a wonderful husband and father.

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

Survivors include his wife, Martha Baldridge of the home; daughter, Linda Matthews of Cabot and Patricia Adams and husband Harry Adams 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, 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 Grace Schlenker, Molly Jane Alvarez and Alanna Neldon; a sister, Amanda Copeland of Stigler, Okla., and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service was held Friday, March 6, at the United Methodist Church in Monette with Jerry Reed and Evertt Isom officiating. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at Macey Cemetery in Monette. Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home of Piggott is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 445, Monette, AR 72447.