Alfred Ray BAIRD, Jr.

BAIRD, ALLEN, BENZ

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:07:02

19 July 1924 ---- 1 March 1999

Alfred Ray Baird was born July 19, 1924, at Salem, Oregon, to Ray and Ruth Allen Baird. He grew up on the family farm north of Webster City, Iowa. He graduated from Webster City High School in 1942. During World War 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 January 26, 1952, he married Maurine Benz at Faribault, Minn. In the fall of 1960, he started teaching in the Junior High at Eagle Grove. Later he graduated from Drake with a M.S. in secondary school administration and U.N.I. with a M. A. in Library science. He served 23 years with the Eagle Grove Community School District as teacher, administrator, media director and librarian. In 1984, they retired from the field of education and farming and moved to Webster City. They also wintered in Arizona. 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, and various farm and educational organizations.

Alfred Ray Baird died Monday, March 1, 1999, at the Hamilton Hospital in Webster City at the age of 74. Survivors include his wife, Maurine; one brother, Dr. Charles Baird, Hermiston, Ore.; and five nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, William Baird.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 4, 1999, at 1:30 p.m. at the Asbury United
Methodist Church in Webster City with Reverend Mike Morgan officiating. Burial was held in the Cass Township Cemetery. Military graveside rites were conducted by American Legion Post #191. Foster Funeral Home in Webster City was in charge of arrangements.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
March 10, 1999