from the March 5, 2009, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
MONETTE Howard Devane Mr. B Baldridge, 82, of Monette, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at NEA Baptist Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He was born November 30, 1926, in Cardwell, Missouri, and was the son of the late Walker and Elsie Grady Baldridge. Devane was a Veteran of WWII, Past Master of the Monette Lodge #558, and Worthy Patron of Eastern Star. He was a former schoolteacher, 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. Devane was an avid fisherman crappie only and banjo's meanest picker and most of all a wonderful husband and daddy. On October 6, 1945, he was united in marriage to Martha Hout and 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; daughter, Linda Matthews of Cabot, Arkansas, and Patricia Adams and husband Harry Adams Jr. of Monette, Arkansas; daughter-inlaw, Patsy Bedford of Cave Springs, Arkansas; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Amanda Copeland of Stigler, Oklahoma; and many other relatives and friends. Visitation is Thursday, March 5th, at 6 to 8 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Monette. A memorial service is Friday, March 6, 2009, at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Monette. A graveside service is Saturday, March 14, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Macey Cemetery in Monette. Hoggard & Sons Funeral Home of Piggott, Arkansas, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 445, Monette, Arkansas, 72447.
* * *
Mr. Baldridge was superintendent of Holly Grove High School in the late 1960s and early '70s, I believe. Mrs. Baldridge taught at HGHS as well.
-- Edited by Jane Dearing Dennis at 08:28, 2009-03-05
