Baird, Alfred R (1924-1999)

BAIRD, ALLEN, BENZ

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:02

Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa, Wednesday, March 3, 1999

Alfred R. Baird, 74, Webster City, died Monday, March 1, 1999 at Hamilton Hospital. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church with Rev. Mike Morgan officiating. Burial will be in the Cass Township Cemetery, Webster City. Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday at the Foster Funeral Home.

Alfred R. Baird, son of Ray and Ruth Allen Baird, was born July 19, 1924 at Salem, OR. He grew up on the family farm north of Webster City. He graduated from Webster City High School in 1942. During WW II (1943-1946) he served in the Army Air Corps and the Medical Corps, spending one year in Europe. Following his discharge, he attended Iowa State and in 1950 graduated from the University of Wyoming with a B.S. in Journalism. He returned to the family farm. On Jan. 26, 1952 he married Maurine Benz at Faribault, MN. In the fall of 1960, he started teaching at Eagle Grove junior high school. Later, he graduated from Drake with an MS degree in secondary school administration and UNI with a MA degree in Library Science. He served 23 years in the Eagle Grove School District as a teacher, administrator, media director and librarian. In 1984, he retired from education and farming and moved to Webster City. They had also wintered in Arizona.

Survivors are his wife, Maurine, a brother, Dr. Charles Baird of Hermiston, OR., five nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, William Baird.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #191, Diamond K Kiwanis, Pi Kappa Alpha at Iowa State, former Eagle Grove Rotary member, Elks Lodge, various farm and educational organizations.

Memorials may be given to Asbury United Methodist Church or Kendall Young Library.