Robert D. Baird

Robert “Bob” D. Baird, 80, of 21037 Phelps Rd., Meadville, died Tuesday, July 20, 2010.

He was born in Meadville October 17, 1929, a son of the late Harold and Retta Lawyer Baird.  He married Jeanette Mead June 24, 1950.

A 1947 graduate of Meadville High School, he was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War serving from 1952 to 1954 with the Army Engineers in Austria.  Bob was owner and operator of Baird Builders with his son Michael.  He was a member and past master of Crawford Masonic Lodge 234, Scottish Rite Bodies of New Castle, Zem Zem Shrine Temple of Erie, Crawford County Shrine Club, Crawford County Motor Patrol, and Meadville Elks Lodge 219.

Bob enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, gardening, and reading several books per week.  He appreciated the opportunity over the years to travel throughout the U.S. and trips to Europe with his wife.  His greatest joy was spending time with his family.

He was a member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ.

Survivors, in addition to his wife Jeanette, include a daughter, Kimberly Schaffner and her husband William of Meadville; 3 sons, David A. Baird and his wife Deanna of Armada, MI; Michael J. Baird and his special friend Patricia E. Stewart of Meadville; and Robert T. Baird of Guys Mills; 2 brothers, Rodney Baird of Meadville and Bruce Baird and his wife Ruth of Fenton, MI; 6 grandchildren, Brian and John Schaffner, Rochelle Schwarz and Deven, Kelsey, and Ryan Baird; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Debra Baird and a sister, Audrey Best.

Calling hours will be Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville and Friday from 10-11 a.m. at Emmanuel United Church of Christ, 30 N. Park Avenue, Meadville.

The funeral service will be Friday at 11 a.m. at Emmanuel United Church of Christ with the Rev. Dr. Timothy Solomon, Pastor, officiating.

Interment will be in Cochranton Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Emmanuel United Church of Christ, 30 N. Park Ave., Meadville, PA 16335 or Shriners Hospital for Children, 1645 West 8th St., Erie, PA 16505.