Donald Eugene Baird

Published 5:43 pm Thursday, January 26, 2017

Mr. Donald Eugene Baird, age 83, a resident of Dogwood Trail, Washington, died Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at Pitt Vidant Inpatient Hospice. Donald was born September 24, 1933 to the late Rachel Knisley Baird and William Sherman Baird in Altoona, PA. He attended Altoona High School and Williamsport Technical Institute. Donald served his country in the Army from 1951to 1953 and also served in the Korean War. Donald married the former Phyllis Hainley on December 5, 1953 who preceded him in death in 2009. On October 2, 2010 he married the former Lana Poff who survives. Donald retired from Attwood & Morrill as plant manager after 20 years of service. In addition to his parents and first wife he was also predeceased by one brother, William (Bill) Baird. Survivors in addition to his wife Lana Baird include three daughters, Michele B. Cowell and husband Mark of Raleigh, NC, Melissa B. Jackson and husband Charles of Washington, NC, and Tracy B. Grant and husband William of Washington, NC; one son, Kevin Baird and wife Brenda of Washington, NC; two stepdaughters, Joni Boone and husband Steve of Radford, VA and Teresa Harris and husband Mitchell Jr.; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 6 step-grandchildren and 4 step-great-grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be held 7:00pm, Monday, January 30, 2017 with military honors in the chapel of Hillside Funeral Service with Skip Hurley officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service and other times at the home. Interment will be held at a later date at Blair Memorial Park in Altoona, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Oxford Children’s Home, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565 (mhc-oxford.org) or Woodards Pond Church of Christ, 9004 US Hwy 264, Washington. Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations, 4500 Hwy 264 E, Washington, has been given the honor of being entrusted with serving the Baird family.