Charles Raymond Baird

Charles Raymond Baird, 97, passed away in his home on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.
He was born to parents Raymond and Edna Baird in Oct. of 1928 in Nixa, and lived in Missouri for almost his entire life. He graduated from Central High School in Springfield, before being drafted into the Army for the Korean War. After Korea, he 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.
After returning from Korea, he 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.
He is survived by his sons and their wives, Craig and Jennifer Baird (Willard) and Sam and Donna Baird (Willard); his grandchildren; 
 He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, and his daughter-in-law, Danni.
The family will host a celebration of life and it will be held at Mile 6 Tap Room in Willard on Sunday, Oct. 25, starting at 2 p.m. All friends and family are invited.
Arrangements under the direction of Wilson-Griffin Funeral Homes.