Oscar Bruce Baird, 79, of Bluford, Illinois passed away at 1:37 pm, on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion, Illinois. He was born Friday, May 25, 1945, in California to Philip Baird and Freda (Price) Baird. He married Elizabeth Ellen “Betsy” Baird on Saturday, June 4, 1966 in Carbondale, Illinois.
Bruce is survived by his daughter, Brenda Hoover and husband Darin of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; two sons, Brett Baird and wife Rebecca of Marion, Illinois, & Branden Baird and wife Jessica of Bluford, Illinois; five grandsons, Andrew Hoover and wife Lauren, Blaze Baird and Philip Baird, Hunter Henry and Tyler Henry; four granddaughters, Danylle Hoover, Olivia Birran and husband Timothy, Holley Whitlock, and Allison Baird; great-granddaughters, Sadie Miller, Marley Ellison, Karsyn and Lennox Whitlock; great-grandson, Cooper Ellison; three brothers, Brad Baird and wife Linda, Brent Baird and wife Jan and Brian Baird; sister, Barbara Baird Dion and husband David; several nieces & nephews also survive.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife, Betsy Baird, and granddaughter Victoria Berlin Baird.
Bruce was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and son. He was happiest by a pond, in the woods camping with Betsy at Bennett Springs, Missouri. He was a die-hard member of the NRA and the Wildlife Turkey Foundation. He caught numerous record trout and taught himself to make his own flies to catch those big trout. If something caught his interest, he was passionate in his pursuit of whatever it was. He had several hobbies and spent as much time as possible engaging in them. Bruce had a big personality, was full of life, and never shied away from giving his opinion (even when it wasn’t requested). He taught building trades in his early career and changed to sales later, which is where he shined. He retired after 30-plus years working for Riverside Manufacturing Company and Stanley “National” Manufacturing Company. He loved family reunions and catching up with his siblings and cousins. He loved being with people and especially enjoyed giving his kid’s spouses a “poke in fun” as often as possible. His outgoing personality will be missed but his legacy lives on in his children and grandchildren.
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Illinois on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
