's Obituary
Laird, Charles Thomas Tom, 52 Charles Thomas “Tom” Laird, son of Floyd and Alma Lucille Humphrey Laird, was born November 18, 1953 near Lilbourn, Missouri. He departed this life Thursday, June 1, 2006 due to heart failure resulting in an automobile accident in Webster County, Missouri. On January 16, 1971, Tom married Debbie Delp. To this union two sons and two daughters were born. On November 2, 1997 he was united in marriage to Barbara Elaine Clark Downs. They have shared the last ten years together near Mansfield, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Bobby Laird. Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara, of the home; eight children, including Michelle Bass, Mindy Laird and Charles “TJ” Laird, Jr., all of Hartville, MO; Brian Laird, of Flippin, AR; Keith Downs, of Everett, WA; Matthew Downs, of Mansfield, MO; Melanie Pierce, of Show Low, AZ; and Monica Dunne, of Collegedale, TN; fifteen grandchildren and one great- granddaughter; his mother, Alma Lucille Laird, of Mansfield, MO; three brothers, Billy Laird, of Crawford, TN; Raymond Laird, of Sikeston, MO; and Don Laird, of Belleville, IL; four sisters, Betty McKeel and Ruby Herbst, both of Mansfield, MO; Janet Carrell, of Labadie, MO; and Shirley Garner, of Monett, MO; nineteen nieces and nephews; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Frances Clark, of Frankfort, IL; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends. Tom was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. As a young man he went to Bellville, Illinois, where he apprenticed as an electrician and then worked wiring barges on the Mississippi River. Twenty-five years ago he moved to Wright County, where he owned and operated Laird and Associates, a general remodeling construction company. Playing music was one of Tom’s favorite pastimes. He spent many years as a professional musician playing the guitar and singing in a progressive country band throughout Missouri, Louisiana and Texas. He will always be remembered for the heart and soul that he put into his music. In his spare time, Tom found great pleasure working with wood in his workshop. Over the past few years, Tom had masterfully crafted the family home into a gorgeous work of art. He had a wonderful way of creating beauty in everything he touched. His hands were that of a carpenter and in his mind he was a most creative artist. Tom also loved being out in nature. He had a special passion to share his love of the outdoors with his children. He enjoyed teaching them the skills of hunting and fishing and the memories of those times will always be held in their hearts. Tom was a very kind and gentle man who met life with a smile and a positive attitude. His care for his wife and family was evidenced by his actions. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle and caring friend and neighbor. We celebrate his life and accomplishments and will treasure the memories he made for his family and friends, which will live in our hearts forever. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 6, 2006, in Holman-Howe Chapel, Hartville. Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday evening from 6 - 8:00 p.m. under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Hartville, Missouri.
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