James "Walter" Baird

James "Walter" Baird, age 97 of Dayton, went to be with his Savior on February 10, 2025. He was born May 21, 1927 in Liggett, KY to the late Roscoe and Mary Douglas Baird. In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Marilyn; son, James W. Baird, Jr.; and brothers, Keith and Jay.

Walter is survived by his children: Lynda (Richard) Springer, Joe (Jean) Baird, Matt (Julie) Baird, and Emily (Chad) Bresson; 9 grandchildren: Amy (George), Mark (Rachel), Stephanie (Dwight), Candace (Ryan), Andrea (Bill), David (April), Gabrielle (Trey), Noelle, and Luke; 9 great-grandchildren, Lou, Isaac, Jenna, Zoey, Zachary, Calvin, Millie, Luna, and Ruby; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Walter served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church for 58 years, where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and usher. He was also an avid fisherman, had a great sense of humor, and loved to talk about the "old days". Christ's love for Walter was the driving force of how he lived his life; always putting his family and others before himself.

Visitation will be held from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Newcomer Funeral Home, North Chapel, 4104 Needmore Road, where the funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm. Burial and military honors will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens.

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