Lt. Col. Kirk Wayne Baird 

Lt. Col. Kirk Wayne Baird, 62, of San Gabriel, passed into the gates of Heaven on Feb. 7, 2022. 

Kirk was born on Sept. 16, 1959, to Carolyn Faye Baird and Gene Kirk Baird in Taylor. Kirk attended Thorndale ISD, followed by the New Mexico Military Institute. Kirk graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Agricultural Economics. 

After earning his college degree, Kirk enlisted in the military. He served in the Texas Army National Guard (124th Cavalry, the 736th Maintenance Company as Company Commander, the 111th Area Support Company as Transportation Director, and the State Area Command as a Maintenance Officer). After his military service, Kirk worked his way up to a superintendent role at the Texas Army National Guard’s (TXARNG) Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site (MATES) program. He also worked as the Director of Maintenance for TXARNG. His service to Texas reflects his pride as a Texan.

Kirk will be greatly missed by his family and friends who remember him as deeply rooted in the community. Kirk’s passions included working on the extensive ranch land he owned, spending time with his loved ones, joining in fellowship at San Gabriel Christian Church, and supporting his beloved Thorndale Bulldogs. Thorndale residents will remember the many times Kirk volunteered to help support area youth at sporting events. Family and friends won’t forget “Bubba” sipping coffee on his front porch, watching old Westerns, and cheering on the Aggies. Perhaps most importantly, Kirk will forever be remembered as a loving son and a supportive brother, uncle, cousin, and nephew. His siblings and other family members could always count on Kirk for mentorship, support, and love. His generosity and kind spirit will live on through the family and friends he touched. 

Kirk is survived by his mother; father; and sisters, Melissa Baird, Eva Baird, Michele Baird, and Misty Baird; and great-nephew, Marcus Shaw, along with many nephews and nieces. 

He was preceded in death by his brother, Ricky Baird. 

Visitation was held at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022. Funeral services were at San Gabriel Christian Church on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022.

Pallbearers will be nephews, Kenny Shelander, Kelly Knue, Joshua Ware, Brandon Jenkins, Jerrith Baird, and Braxton Baird. 

Memorials or donations may be made to the ALS Association at www.als.org.