Dates
Our father, Alton Roy Baird, left for paradise on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 11:55 a.m. We are sure Jesus along with his mom and dad, Lydia Barina Baird and Dibrell Clyde Baird accompanied him on his journey of light. Daddy was born in San Angelo, Texas on November 8, 1936. He graduated from San Angelo High School in 1954 and briefly attended San Angelo College before guitar would become his muse.
Daddy, along with Sid Holmes and Carol Smith, founded the Cavaliers in 1954. Daddy headlined the Auditorium, Coliseum and other venues opening for Elvis Presley, George Jones and numerous others.
Daddy had pined for Linda Sharon Knieff for many years, telling her when she was 14 that he was going to marry her. Their marriage occurred in Acuna, Mexico on March 2, 1958. They recently celebrated 65 years of marriage.
He joined the US Air Force in 1958 and was a part of the Vietnam War Era Veterans. He so loved talking about his Unit the 622nd Air Refueling Squadron stationed in Alexandria, Louisiana. He received a special medal as a rifleman. Just a good old boy from Texas.
Many fell in love to his music while dancing at the Blue Diamond and the Dixie Club. His recording of “Out of a Honky-Tonk” was well received in Nashville and his fans. He so loved performing.
To him were born three children, Debra Lee Baird Sosolik, Alton Todd Baird and Robert Paul Baird. He was also a father to Corey Lane Speck and Morganne Laci Speck who he loved like no others and raised them like his own. There was a time when Corey hit a battery with a crescent wrench and caused daddy to brain himself while working under a car to see what the explosion was. Then daddy got the water hose to flush out Corey’s eyes and tried to drown him. Then Morganne called 9-1-1 numerous times which caused the Sheriff’s department to come out and daddy held her while she cried.
Daddy was also a “mover” to Debbie who called him many times to come get her out of a bad situation.
Overall, he was our daddy. Through tough times and good, his love remained loyal. He suffered these last years as disease wrought his body and caused him significant pain. Thank you Dr. Cheraku for taking care of daddy all these years.
Alton is survived by his wife of 65 years Linda. Daughter Debra Sosolik and husband Bobby. Sons Todd and Bobby Baird. His grandchildren, Corey and Wife Stacye Speck, Morganne Speck, Jordan Baird, Odessa Baird and wife Carrie, Cheyenne Baird, Reese Baird, Grayson Baird, Erik Sosolik and wife Hallie and Kaitlyn Brosh and husband Aaron. His great grandchildren who called him “stoogie”, Logan Speck, Victoria Speck, Briley Speck, Christabella Gonzalez, Evelyn Tietze, Kelly Custer, Tristan Martinez, Eleanor Baird, Kinlee Baird, Charlee and Steelie Sosolik and Aarolyn Brosh.
A special thank you to Todd Baird and Linda Baird for taking care of daddy these last three stressful years. To the VA home in Big Spring for offering their services, Meadow Creek Nursing Home for their exemplary care these last days, but especially to Concho Hearts Hospice. Brad and Renee, you were so kind to our father, you will be rewarded in Heaven.
To sing one of daddy’s songs, “I’ll miss you from today and from now on”.
Visitation
Friday, April 7, 2023
5:00PM - 7:00PM
Harper Funeral Home
2606 Southland Boulevard
San Angelo, TX 76904
Funeral Service
Saturday, April 8, 2023
2:00PM - 3:00PM
Harper Funeral Home
2606 Southland Boulevard
San Angelo, TX 76904