Arthur "Art" Baird

The family and friends of Captain Arthur “Art” Baird mourn his passing. Art was born in Olive Branch, Mississippi, where he spent his childhood riding horses, hunting, and with family and friends. He joined the United States Air Force, rose to the rank of Captain, and served bravely in the Vietnam War. While stationed in Arkansas, he met the love of his life, Phyllis, and their marriage unified not just Art to Phyllis, but to her three children which he unwaveringly claimed as his own. They moved to Oklahoma City so Art could continue his military service at Tinker Air Force Base. In OKC, their union brought about the birth of two sons and generations of laughter, joy, and memories as their family grew to include grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, in-laws, friends-of-friends, neighbors, and holiday guests from all walks of life. Art was a successful insurance agent for State Farm, where his attention to detail, calmness, and warm demeanor built a client base that adored and relied on him for decades. Always a fan of short visits with his people, Art frequently visited classmates in Olive Branch, spent time with his extended family, the Distrettis, and welcomed visitors into his home every chance he got.

After his retirement and the loss of his bride, Art found a remarkable new chapter in life, volunteering in the community, making new friends, obtaining his Italian citizenship, caring for Lillian, and even finding new love with Marie. Art was always up for sweet desserts, floppy hats, fruity drinks, jazz, and a good dad joke. He was an avid fan of OU football and OKC Thunder basketball, too: In fact, one of his favorite and proudest final days was watching the Thunder’s 2025 NBA Champions Parade on TV and hearing the rumble of the crowd celebrating just down the street from his home. Even when his body was in peril, his humor, kindness, and curiosity never wavered: He was always quick to inquire about one’s job, partner, or home and vehicle (ever the insurance agent), or to compliment one’s shoes, jewelry, or smile.

Art is survived by his children, Allen, Danita and her partner Jim, Shavonda and her wife Gina, Timothy, and Joseph; his daughter-in law, Lupina; his grandchildren, Johnathan, Erick, and Annie and her husband Corey; his great-granddaughter, Lillian; his granddaughter, Kimberley; his grandson, Damon; his two sisters, Bette, Sally, and their families; and so many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to thank the many health care workers at ACG Hospice, Seniors Helping Seniors, Wellington, Village on the Park, and Legends at Rivendell for their kindness and care for Art.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Hahn-Cook/Street and Draper, 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK 73116. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his name to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) at https://www.michaeljfox.org. Thank you.