Gene, who was 88 years young, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 19, 2018, where he will now be with his childhood sweetheart Norma Jean, who passed away April 2014. He is also preceded in death by his parents Dewey and Grace Baird and middle son David Ronald Baird.
He leaves behind his eldest son Richard (Laurel Roberts) Baird and grandchildren Katherine and Steven Baird, his daughter Jeanette (Ken) Holder and grandchildren Jonathan (Toni) Black and great-granddaughter Lilieana, Jeffrey Black and great-grandchildren Jamin and Emma Black, and grandson Bruce Baird and great-grandchildren Aiden and Anthony. He is also survived by his sister Joan Meetze and her sons Gerald & Andrew and their families who reside in South Carolina.
He was born in Independence, MO and moved to Cocoa, FL when he was one year old. Gene joined the US Navy after high school in 1948 and was stationed in San Diego, CA where he served during the Korean War. He asked Norma Jean to marry him in a letter that he sent to her while he was in the Navy in San Diego, CA. She said yes and flew to San Diego, CA, where they married on May 19, 1951. Gene and Norma Jean returned to Merritt Island, FL where they raised their family and Gene began his career with the US Post Office where he worked until he retired at age 55.
During his life Gene was a scout leader, Deacon at the First Baptist Church of Merritt Island and co-edited, with his wife Norma Jean, the Mosquito Beaters Memory Book for 15 years. He, and Norma Jean, are Founding Members of the Florida Historical Library Foundation in Cocoa. For many years his love for gardening kept him busy nurturing an array of beautiful flowers and especially his rose garden, admired by all who passed by. Gene was a kind and gentle Christian man who loved the Lord and was extremely generous to his family and loved ones close to him. He will be missed by everyone who ever met him, including his best friend and son-in-law, Ken Holder, who has been with him over the last several months reminiscing over his life’s adventures.
Gene is now at peace with God. “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:14 NLT.
Calling hours will be 1:00-2:00 PM, Sunday, April 29, 2018 at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home, Merritt Island, FL followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 PM. Condolences may be shared at www.wyliebaxleymerrittisland.com.
