Vernie “Vern” L. Reathaford, 66, of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025, at OSF Holy Family Medical Center, Monmouth, Illinois.
He was born on October 21, 1959, in Galesburg, Illinois, 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, Iowa; 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.
He loved camping, traveling, fishing, flying, and going on the power tours and car shows with his brothers-in-law. Vern was an avid dog lover and made sure his “Puppy Box” was supplied with treats. Vern never knew a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to friends, neighbors, and those in need. He was a wonderful family man.
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 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 2, 2026, at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, Illinois. Military honors will be presented at 7 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, Illinois, is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.