Robert M. Baird, age 95, of Troy, OH passed away on December 2, 2025. He was born on February 17, 1930 in Cambridge, OH to the late Charles Thomas and Lena M. Warden Baird.
Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years of marriage: D. Ann (Davisson) Baird; three children: R. Mark (Carol) Baird of Raymond, OH, Tami Baird (Allan) Ganley of Troy, OH and Brent A. (Beth) Baird of Kettering, OH; five grandchildren: Carly Baird, Matthew (Maddie) Baird, Caitlyn (Zachary) Knutson, Libby Baird and Charlie Baird; four great grandchildren: Everett, Asher and Theodore Baird and Lillian Grace Knutson and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law: Grace and Chet Lindell; sister-in-law: Donna Davisson Hutchins; niece, nephew and great nephew.
Bob was a graduate of Cambridge High School in 1948. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. After returning from service abroad, he attended Marietta College prior to graduating from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1956.
Though always a Guernsey County farm boy, Bob was proud to call Troy, OH his home after joining the Irvin-Deeter Funeral Home on South Cherry Street in 1957. He relocated with the firm to the current location in 1967 which eventually was renamed to Baird Funeral Home. Bob was honored to serve Troy area families for over 60 years.
Bob enjoyed being involved in the community and was a longtime member and volunteer of the First United Methodist Church, Troy and past Co-Leader of the Let’s Go Travel Ministry of the church. During his final years, he appreciated his worship time at St. Johns United Church of Christ. Over the years, Bob served in various volunteer and leadership roles with Troy Noon Optimist, Franklin Lodge #14 F&AM; Franklin Chapter #24 R.A.M.; Franklin Council #14 R. &S.M.; Coleman Commandery #17 K.T.; Antioch Shrine Temple; Miami County Shrine Club; Order of Eastern Star Chapter #256; Miami County Men’s Republican Club; Troy Elks Lodge #833; Troy Museum Corp; Troy Board of Education and Upper Valley Joint Vocational School Boards; Upper Valley Non-Profit Charitable Corp; Miami County Unit of the American Red Cross; Troy Recreation Board; Miami County Fair Board and Third Savings and Loan Board of Directors. Professionally, he was honored to serve as President of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association, District Governor of the National Funeral Directors Association and Board Chairman of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He and Ann were named the Distinguished Citizens by the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce in 2005.
Bob and Ann eventually went back to their farm roots and enjoyed many years on Windy View Farm in Staunton Township. He raised Percheron horses and enjoyed providing horse teams for many parades and events and hosting a variety of church and non-profit events on the farm including visitors to Troy from our sister city of Takahashi City, Japan. Besides his love of farm life and horses, Bob was known for his passion for cars both old and new.
Bob was a proud grandpa and was happy to call anyone a friend. On his regular visits to K’s, he enjoyed seeing new and old faces even as the memory faded. Bob’s family extend heartfelt appreciation to all the kind and faithful friends and the staff at both Clare Bridge and Hospice of Miami County for their unconditional care.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Baird Funeral Home in Troy with interment to follow in Riverside Cemetery, Troy. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM on Friday, December 5, 2025 at the funeral home followed by Masonic Services.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Johns United Church of Christ, 130 South Walnut Street, Troy, OH 45373, Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County, 3230 N. County Road 25A, Troy, OH 45373 or Shriners Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Plaza 2 West, Dayton, OH 45404. Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.