Jerry Allen Baird

Jerry Allen Baird, 80, of Springfield MI passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Battle Creek, MI on May 31, 1939 to Gates M. and Eugenia F (Baker) Baird.

He attended WK Kellogg Agricultural High School in Hickory Corners, and later received his GED from Springfield High School. Jerry served in the Air National Guard, worked for Oliver Equipment, and the Fire Departments of Battle Creek and Springfield. He then went on to work for General Motors in Kalamazoo, retiring after 31 years of employment.

Jerry was united in marriage to Sharon Kay Bucklin on August 6, 1961. They were married for 58 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children Kimberlee (Jim) Vandenboss of Springfield, Kari (Dave) Berry, of Battle Creek, Kris (Dennis) Vogel, of Springfield, Karyl (Merv) Bailey, of Battle Creek and Todd (Shannon) Baird, of Battle Creek; 15 grandchildren, Matthew (Shana), Brianne and Brittany Vandenboss, Seth and Shawn Berry, Kayla, Conner, and Jenna Vogel, Bryce (Rachel), Kelly and Abbey Bailey, Taylor, Kaitlyn, Hannah and Travis Baird; 6 great-grandchilden, Spencer, Addison, and Harper Vandenboss, Braylee Arnold, and Kennedy and Nolan Bailey; brother Jack (Phyllis) Baird, and Aunt Helen Wildermuth-Roth of Botkins, OH. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Bobby L., Thomas L. and Gates "Buster" Baird.

Jerry was known as a great family man and loved large family gatherings. He never knew a stranger, was a very social person and had the "gift of gab". He enjoyed being outside taking care of his lawn, working on cars, and tinkering in the garage. He was an avid sports fan of all college and professional teams from the State of Michigan. He enjoyed spending time with close friends, family camping trips, playing cards and vacationing. 😉

At the request of the family, they will receive visitors from 5:00 - 8:00 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 20 and 21, 2019 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care at 105 Capital Avenue NE, Battle Creek, MI. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, August 22, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend James L. Sparks officiating.

Interment will be at Bedford Cemetery where a private ceremony will be held at a later date with the family. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or the National Kidney Foundation. Personal remembrances may be made at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.