Randy V. Baldridge
Randy Vaughn Baldridge, 68, of St. Louis, MO passed away peacefully on the evening of December 24th, 2022.
Randy was born on May 20th, 1954 in Joplin, Missouri. After graduating from Memorial High School in 1972, he joined the Joplin Fire Department in 1974. Randy went on to earn a Bachelors of Science in Fire Science at Oklahoma State University in 1992. He continued to further his education over the years, landing his first Fire Chief position in Guthrie, OK in 1989 and went on to become chief in many different departments throughout the country. Fire Chief Ponca City, Oklahoma; Fire Chief Casa Grande, Arizona; Assistant Fire Chief Independence, MO; Fire Chief Bentonville, Arkansas. The Fire Service had his heart even after he retired in 2001.
Through his love of singing and skills as a square-dance-caller, Randy met Marsha Livengood. They went on to wed in 1984, having one daughter, Maranda Kay Baldridge of Ballwin, MO. Randy also leaves behind a beloved, chosen son, Joshua Blake Dahlman of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was incredibly proud of his children, whom he considered his greatest achievement. Anyone who knew Randy could tell that he was the most loving and adoring father. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned to anyone who would listen. He was a loving uncle to his two nieces, Melodee West and Meg Carter, whose children he adored as a doting Great Uncle. Randy loved his four grand-dogs dearly and could often be found in his favorite spot, a cozy chair by the fireside where he could lovingly pet them all. Randy was also a passionate and devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Randy was preceded in death by his grandfather Chief Dwight Vaughn and grandmother Agnes Vaughn (Austin). His father Judge George C. Baldridge and mother Camille Baldridge (Vaughn), and his Great-nephew Finley Tyson Carter.
He is survived by his baby sister Tandee Baldridge, children Maranda Baldridge and Joshua Dahlman, best friend and former wife, Marsha Baldridge (Livengood), nieces Melodee West (Prigmore) and Meg Carter (Prigmore), his five beautiful great-nieces and great-nephews, and countless other extended family members that each held a special place in his heart.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local Backstoppers.
My family loved your dad. He and my dad had a special friendship, and he’s a big reason I went into the fire service. I will miss talking to him so very much. Randy will always be a great guy, so sorry for your family’s loss.
Maranda: So sorry about Randy. It was a shock to us to hear he passed. He will be missed greatly. So glad we talked to him after we moved back from Austin, Texas. He was so excited to hear about Jerame’s hockey achievements. He was one of the best square dance callers. Proud to say he was like another son to us. You are in our prayers, Maranda!
randy is missed. was always smiling and seemed in great mood everytime i seen him. we lived on the same property at santa maria. always talked about family. we have lost another good person.