Curtis Ernest Baird

Curtis Ernest Baird, age 83 and a resident of Asher, Oklahoma, passed away at his home on Monday, October 24, 2011 from liver failure as a result of contracting Hepatitis C from a blood transfusion in 1972 after suffering life threatening injuries in a tornado. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 27th, at Asher First Baptist Church under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Konawa.  Dwayne Johnson and Earl Blankenship will officiate.  Burial will follow at Wanette Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Johnny Warren, Ronny Nail, Jeff Doss, Shane Nail, Brian Bruno, and Michael Baird.  Visitation is Monday night through Wednesday night from 8:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Swearingen Funeral Home located at 217 N. Broadway in Konawa. Curtis was born on March 2, 1928 at Stilwell, Oklahoma to James and Flora (Reed) Baird and was the third of thirteen children.  He married Helen O’Neal on August 24, 1951 at Van Buren, Arkansas.  He was a long-time member of the Maxwell Holiness Church. In addition to serving in the Army, Curtis worked as a farrier, shipyard laborer, and road construction worker.  Curtis spent over thirty years working for Corff Sand and Gravel in various locations in Oklahoma.  He was a heavy equipment operator, truck driver, explosives technician and foreman.  After retirement, Curtis continued his love of farming and also worked for Bob’s Dirt Service as a dozer operator and hay baler. Curtis was an avid baseball fan, and his favorite professional team was the St. Louis Cardinals.  Curtis also enjoyed watching the Asher Indians baseball and softball teams, especially if one of his grandchildren was playing.  He enjoyed coon hunting and won numerous trophies with his dog, Amos. Curtis is survived by his wife of sixty years, Helen Baird of the home; one son, Ernest Baird of Asher, two daughters, Brenda Warren and husband, Johnny of Hennepin, Oklahoma, and Peggy Nail and husband, Ronny of Asher; five grandchildren, Tabatha Doss and husband, Jeff of Hennepin, Shane Nail and wife, Lanita of Midwest City, Brian Bruno of Asher, Nicki Nail of Asher, and Michael Baird of Ada; six great grandchildren, Tucker and Maycee Doss of Hennepin, Daniel, Isabel, and Ansel Downum of Midwest City, and Alex Nail of Asher; one brother, Edward Baird of Stilwell; two sisters, Betty Perry and husband, Steve of Stilwell, and Annie Brt and fiance’ Elias Hernandez of Stilwell; and a host of family and friends. Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, James and Flora Baird; two sons, James David and Ralph Eugene Baird; one grandson, Jimmy Wayne Baird; seven brothers, Allen, James, Ray, Fay, Earl “Shorty”, Johnny, and Bobby; and two sisters, Gertrude McMurtry and Mary Alice Wolfe. Funeral Information: October 27, 2011, 2:00 PM First Baptist Church of Asher under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home located at 217 N. Broadway, Konawa, OK 74849