Thurman Lynn Baird, 74, died Friday, December 25, 2009 at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City. He was born on December 6, 1935 at Wright the son of Orville R. and Charlotte Ruth (Cain) Baird.

Mr. Baird attended a country grade school north of Howell. He graduated from Dodge City High School. Mr. Baird married Arlene Ann Stegman in June of 1956. He owned Thurman Baird Painting and also raced greyhound dogs. He loved hunting, fishing and his family.

He was a member of Cathedral Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe in Dodge City and the National Greyhound Association in Abilene.

Mr. Baird is survived by his wife, Arlene Baird of Dodge City; three sons, Danny Baird and wife Joli of Dodge City, Leon Baird of Kansas City, Kirt Baird and wife Anastacia Clark of Dodge City; two brothers, Duane Baird of Pawhuska, Okla. and Vernon Baird of Littleton, Colo.; one son-in-law, Curt Adams of Dodge City; one brother-in-law, Gerald Stegman of Dodge City; one sister-in-law, Darlene Elias of Albuquerque, NM; five grandchildren, Eric Baird, Jessica Baird Mercado, Ashley Baird, Alexandra Adams, and Justyce Baird; two great grandchildren, Jerrick Lawson and Emerie Baird. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Phyllis Baird; one daughter, Jeanette Adams; and one granddaughter, Lyndsie Baird.

Vigil service will be held at Swaim Funeral Home in Dodge City on Monday, December 28 at 7:00 PM. Funeral service will be on Tuesday December 29, 2009 at 2:00 PM at Swaim Funeral Home with Jerald Burns presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home on Monday, December 28, 2009 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Memorials can be made to American Diabetes Association in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.