Michael LeRoy Baird

     Michael LeRoy “Mike” Baird, age 82, of Alma, MI, passed away Sunday, October 27, 2024, at his home with his family by his side.
     A private gathering of family and friends will be held with burial at Riverside Cemetery, Alma, MI.
     Michael was born in Alma, Michigan on June 15, 1942, the son of James Lynn and Margueritte Louise (Adams) Baird. He graduated from Alma High School with the Class of 1960. In 1960, Mike broke a 22 year old track record for the Alma Panthers. On January 15, 1966, Michael married Dolores J. Coomer at the East Minster Presbyterian Church in Alma, MI. They were blessed with fifty-eight years of marriage.
      Mike proudly served his country in the U.S Navy 1960-1965. While serving aboard the U.S.S. Thetis Bay he traveled to Germany, Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and through the Panama Canal to Costa Rica. He performed shore duty in Philadelphia when his ship was decommissioned in July 1964. Mike was a past member of the Alma VFW Post 1454. Mike was a forklift operator for Oldsmobile (Plant #3) for 33 years and was a Committeeman for Local #652.
     He is survived by his wife Dolores, daughter Stacey (Kevin) Evoy of Riverdale, MI; daughter Julie (Mike) Thurlow of St. Louis, MI; nine grandchildren: Nikk (Brandi) Baird, Abigail (Josh) Bowen, Whitney (Jon Orlowski) Evoy, Kyle (Tonya) Evoy, Heather Felan, Derek (Heather) Evoy, Kurt (Kim) Evoy, Lindsey Thurlow, and David (Sarah Murray) Thurlow; three great grandchildren: Mason, Macy, and Maia; his sister Faye (Bill) Thering, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers: James (Mary) Baird, and Alan (Judy) Baird.
     Memorials may be made to the Gratiot County Animal Shelter 2675 Washington Rd. Ithaca, MI 48847. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.