Porter Ronald Baird

Porter “Ron” Baird, 91, of West Liberty, formerly of Cotter, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at the Simpson Memorial Home in West Liberty.  Visitation and a luncheon will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Snyder and Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services of Columbus Junction.  In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Columbus Junction United Methodist Church or the Columbus Junction American Legion in memory of Ron.  Sympathy notes may be left to the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

Porter Ronald Baird was born on June 7, 1933, in Bloomfield, Iowa the son of Porter Heady and Margaret Frona (Foster) Baird.  He was a graduate of Ottumwa High School and attended the University of Iowa until being drafted.  Ron proudly served his country in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Corporal during the Korean Conflict from April 23, 1953 – July 19, 1954 and eight more years in the Army Reserves.  On April 21, 1956, Ron was united in marriage to Joan Alma Hinrichs in Rock Island, Illinois.  Ron worked as a salesman for L.W. Service Company in Columbus City, retiring on August 1, 1996.  Ron was a member of the Columbus Junction United Methodist Church where he was very active, Lions Club, Columbus Junction Community Senior Center, Columbus Junction American Legion and was the Mayor of Cotter for several years.  He enjoyed fishing, refreshing beverages, road trips, including Branson to listen to country performers with his wife, and spending time with his family and friends, especially the grandchildren.  Ron never knew a stranger and had a great sense of humor. 

Ron will be deeply missed by his children, Mike (Debbie) Baird of Marion, Kate (Dennis) Brady of Muscatine, Karen (Randy) Scott of West Liberty and Jeff (Denise) Baird of West Liberty; grandchildren, Brent Baird, Frannie Baird, Jessica (Jacob) Wagg, Logan (Jessica) Brady, Andrew (Jenny) Scott, Ryan Scott, Jacob Winter, Jason (Kayla) Dierdorff and Meredith (Brent) Parizek; great grandchildren, Landry Wagg, Kreed Wagg, Delilah Wagg, Chloe Brady, Jasper Scott, Emeri Dierdorff, Addilyn Parizek and Brynlee Parizek and one brother, Stuart (Sandra) Baird of Phoenix, Arizona.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Joan on July 5, 2023.

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