Arthur Wade Baird, 97, of Owensboro, passed away on February 25, 2020 with his family by his side. He was born on February 9, 1923, to the late William Arthur and Maureen Ruby Baird, at the home of his grandmother. He was born and raised on a farm near Utica, Kentucky.
In addition to his parents, Arthur was preceded in death by his first wife, Audrey Baird; his second wife, Dottie Baird; his brother, Robert Douglas Baird; sisters, Dora (Dodie) Howard, and Joan Payne.
Arthur is survived by his daughter Carolyn (Jerry) Elliott; son, Scott (Debbie) Baird; grandchildren, Brent (Amy) Elliott, Brooke (Sean) Land, Blake (Lee) Ferguson, Scott (Jennifer) Baird Jr, Sherri (JJ) Huskisson, Stacey (Andy) Burden, and Stan (Megan) Baird; eighteen great-grandchildren, and several cousins. Arthur had many friends throughout the state, especially in Western Kentucky.
Arthur enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942. He served in the European and Pacific Theatre during WWII. He retired after 26 years of service. Arthur’s service in WWII was recognized in 2018 with an Honor Flight to Washington D.C.
Arthur considered himself to be a public servant. He retired from the State Government after 37 years, 30 years as a supervisor/ consultant for the Department of Housing Division of Plumbing, Plumbing Inspector. When Arthur retired, he was made an honorary life member of the Owensboro Association of Plumbing, Heating, and HVAC Contractors. He was a 35-year Registered Sanitarian and a life member of the American Society of Sanitary Engineering. Arthur was a chapter member of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #9 tri state branch 105 Fleet Reserve Association (FRA). Arthur was a Mason and a 60-year member of the Owensboro Lodge.
Arthur was a member of Sugar Grove Baptist Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, the outdoors and spending time with family.
A funeral service will be held at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory on Sunday, March 1 at 2:00 p.m. with Brother Allen Shouse officiating. Burial will follow with military honors at Macedonia Cemetery on Miller’s Mill Rd. in Owensboro. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 29 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, March 1 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions made to Sugar Grove Baptist Church or Hospice of Western Kentucky.
Memories and condolences for Arthur Baird’s family may be left at www.glenncares.com