Ronald Ray Baird

Of Jackson, Michigan went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 4, 2020 at the age of 82. He was born on September 24, 1937 in Jackson to Delbert and Bernadeen (Maples) Baird. Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Kathleen (Stafford) Baird, his son James (Sarah) Baird, and three granddaughters (“his girls”), Lauren, Megan, and Rebecca, of Portage, brothers- and sisters-in-law, Mary Baird of Napoleon, Colton Woodruff of Grass Lake, Charles & Frances Moon of Toledo, Ohio, Michael Stafford of Jackson, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in passing by his parents, his brother (Don), his sister (Janet Woodruff), and brother-in-law (John Stafford). Ron was a 1956 graduate of Jackson High School and also held an associate degree from Jackson Community College. He was a lifelong Jackson resident, leaving his hometown only to serve for four years in the U.S. Air Force, a particular source of pride, the highlight of which was his time in Germany. He returned home to work at Consumers Energy, with most of his time spent in the Trail Street lab until his retirement after 34 years of service in 1998. He was a longtime member of Cascades Baptist Church. His hobbies included amateur radio and computers, and his talent for painting was undeniable. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to the Bethany Christian Mission Center 17 Bethany Circle Bethany, Kentucky 41301. The family wishes to thank Jackson County Medical Care Facility staff for their compassion and care during his stay. A private burial has taken place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan and a memorial service will be held at a later date.