Charles “Jack” Baird, 89, of Arkansas City was called home to be with the Lord Saturday (April 20, 2019). Memorial services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Saturday (April 27, 2019) at the Central Christian Church, 206 W. Central Ave, Arkansas City.
Cremation has been effected.
Jack was born in Arkansas City, Kansas, on November 8, 1929, to Berlyn and Melba (Loneke) Baird. He graduated from Theaker rural school and then Arkansas City High School in 1947. He then attended and graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Agronomy in 1951. He served his country in the Army during the Korean War. Upon returning home from the army, he and Jeanne Piper were married on July 22, 1953. He used his agronomy degree in the capacity of an extension agent in Chautauqua County from 1954-1958 and then in Mitchell County until 1965. He returned to Arkansas City to farm the family homestead in 1965. He also served the greater Kansas farming community employed as a District Sales Manager for Garst & Thomas Seed Company which became Pioneer Hi-bred International beginning in 1974, and retired in 1994.
Jack is survived by Jeanne, his loving wife of 65 years; children Janet Crane, Jane (Don) Langlais, Mark (Janelle) Baird; brother Tom (Joy) Baird of Montrose, Colorado; five grandchildren Jamie (Kyle) Tipton, Reid (Emma) Langlais and Luke Langlais, Julia and Marissa Baird; four great-grandchildren Matalie, Ellison and Brezlyn Tipton and Cassius Langlais.
He is preceded in death by his parents Berlyn and Melba Baird.
During his retirement, Jack enjoyed farming, traveling and gardening. He and Jeanne were fortunate to travel the world. He loved growing fresh fruit and vegetables especially his prized tomatoes and delicious sweet corn.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Central Christian Church or Cowley County 4H extension program. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.
Arrangements are being coordinated by Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home and Crematory of Arkansas City.