Vern L. Reathaford

Vernie “Vern” L. Reathaford, 66, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025 at OSF Holy Family Medical Center, Monmouth, IL.

He was born on October 21, 1959 in Galesburg, IL, the son of Gary and Florence (Carroll) Reathaford. Vern was raised and educated in Burlington and attended Burlington High School.

Vern honorably served his country in the United States Air Force from 1982 to 1985, attaining the rank of E-2 Airman.

On October 13, 1979, he was united in marriage to Rhonda Plackett in Burlington, IA; she survives.

Vern was employed by the Illinois Department of Transportation as a highway maintainer and also spent many years working as a truck driver. In his free time, he found great joy riding his motorcycle with the love of his life and his close friends. He loved to listen to music, travel, and took pride in cooking delicious meals for his family and friends. Above all else, Vern cherished time spent with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren, who were the light of his life.

Surviving Vern is his wife of 46 years, Rhonda Reathaford; his children, Becky (Jacob) Hernandez and Ryan (Lindsay) Reathaford; six grandchildren; his mother, Florence (Harold) Walker; his sister, Lynn Walker Reathaford; and his brother, Gale (Stacy) Cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father; niece, Carrollynn Walker; and mother-in-law, Mary Sloat.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, January 2, 2026 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Military Honors will be presented at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and can be sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL is in charge of the arrangements.