Charles W. Laird Jr.

Charles was born on July 22, 1926 to Charles Watt Laird, Sr and Virginia Maude Farley Laird in Uvalde, Texas. Charles had a twin sister, Charlene Virginia Laird Couvillion. He was married on July 12, 1952 to Grace Lynn Knoll.

Charles graduated from Lamar High school, attended Texas A&M and graduated from University of Houston in 1950 with a bachelors degree in business administration. Charles worked with Interstate Theaters, Missouri Pacific Railroad and Southern Pacific Railroad, from which he retired.

A marine, Charles fought in World War II in Okinawa and China, and fought in the Korean War in Inchon Landing, Seoul, and the Chosin Reservoir. For his service to his country, Charles received The Silver Star, The Bronze Star with Combat V, Purple Heart and numerous other awards. He was active in the Korean War Veterans Lone Star Chapter, Sixth Marine Division Association and The Chosin Few. Charles was a hero and mentor to many young people over the course of his life and served as a role model to numerous young men and women as they chose to follow his footsteps into the military.

Charles was a member of The Church of the Nazarene International serving at Houston First Church, Spring Branch Church of the Nazarene, and Living Word Church of the Nazarene over the course of his life as an usher, board member, Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent, as well an many other roles too numerous to name.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of over 58 years, Grace; two nieces, Nancy Stiles of Bellaire, Texas and Peggy Matlock of Newfoundland, Canada; two great-nephews Brian Boyter and Blake Boyter both of Houston, Texas; and many cousins. Charles served as adopted father to Randy and Naomi Hays of Katy, Texas and loving grandfather to their children; Andrew, Brendan, Jamison and Melissa Grace.

Charles is predeceased by his parents and twin sister.

Services will be Tuesday, October 19th, 2010 at 3:00 at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home Chapel in Houston, Texas. Visitation will be Monday, October 18th, 2010 at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home from 5 pm until 8 pm. Interment will follow in Memorial Oaks Cemetery.