age 71 of Bowie, Arizona formerly of the London Mills area went to rest on Sunday August 24, 2014 at his home in Bowie.
He was born on March 17, 1943 to Robert and Madge (Links) Laird in Galesburg, Illinois. They preceded him in death as did his brother, Ernest Laird.
Larry attended Abingdon schools. He started working as a paper boy, and at Shorty Simm’s Ice Cream Restaurant. Later he worked for Chicago Northwestern Railroad, Alton Box, and then Caterpillar Inc. He retired from Caterpillar after 30 years of doing various job, highest being final inspector. He was a union steward while working at Cat.
He and his wife also owned Spoon River Conoco in London Mills for several years. Larry worked at several farms in the London Mills area including Baker Farms and Robinson Farms.
He was an active member in 4-H and FFA with his children and grandchildren. Larry was an avid member of the London Mills Community Fire Protection District,
serving several years as assistant chief, chief, and various other positions.
Larry and the late Orlo Harding were the first two Emergency Medical Technicians on the department. He retired from the department in 2011, when he moved to Arizona.
Larry married Ila Starnes on January 5, 1963 in London Mills at the United Methodist Church and she survives. He is the father of four children, Robert (Lisa) Laird of London Mills, Roxanne Laird of Bowie, Garry Laird of Bowie, and Veronica Laird (deceased). He has four grandchildren James Laird, Jeremy Laird, Joshua Laird, and Justin Laird. He has two great grandchildren he helped raise, Ethan and Emileigh Laird.
Also surviving is one nephew Scott (Kelly) Laird of Galesburg, Illinois, one niece Pamela Laird Rourke of Bowie, Arizona and several great nieces and great nephews.
Cremation was accorded. To celebrate his life, the family will receive friends from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Sunday, August 31, 2014 at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel. Graveside service and burial of his ashes will be 10:00 am Monday in West Midway Cemetery near London Mills.
Memorials may be made to the London Mills Fire Department or the Charles Leighton Junior Hospice, Willcox, Arizona. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
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Mr. Larry Robert Laird, Abingdon Chapel
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