Charles Raymond Baird, 97, passed away in his home on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Charles was born to parents Raymond and Edna Baird in October of 1928 in Nixa, Missouri, and lived in Missouri for almost his entire life. Charles graduated from Central High School in Springfield, Missouri before being drafted into the Army for the Korean War. After Korea, Charles received his degree from Southwest Missouri State University and his MA from the University of Arkansas. He spent his professional years teaching English, theater, speech and debate first at Drury College, then Greenwood High School in Springfield, Missouri.

After returning from Korea, Charles met his wife Virginia in an SMSU theater production. They married in 1955 and had two sons. He was life-long fisherman. He loved hunting, farming, motorcycles, and dogs. His interests in reading and art were extensive, and he loved travelling around America in a camper. He was a DeMolay and then a third-degree Mason with Solomon Lodge in Springfield for over 75 years.

Charles is survived by his sons and their wives, Craig and Jennifer Baird (Willard) and Sam and Donna Baird (Willard); his grandchildren Jessica, Dain, and Will; his nephew John Stinson; his niece Ann Kirkpatrick; as well as other friends and family around the country. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, and his daughter-in-law, Danni.

The family will host a celebration of Life will be held at Mile 6 Tap Room in Willard on Sunday, October 25, starting at 2:00 p.m. All friends and family are invited.