Jerry Paul Baird, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026, at the age of 84. He was born in Waukegan, Illinois, on May 6, 1942, to June and Deward Baird. Shortly after his birth, his parents returned to Houston, Texas, where they raised Jerry and his siblings. Houston remained an important part of Jerry’s life and his roots.

Jerry attended Sam Houston High School and graduated with the Class of 1960. He went on to attend the University of Houston, where he studied business and graduated in 1967. Jerry worked full time, was married, and had his first child while attending night school. It took him seven years to earn his college degree, but he was determined to complete his education and provide a better life for his family.

On June 9, 1962, Jerry married the love of his life, Marian Grace Hoyt, at Rosehill Methodist Church in Rosehill, Texas. Together, Jerry and Marian built a family and shared more than five decades of marriage until Marian’s passing on January 8, 2014.

Jerry began his professional career in the oil industry with Gulf Oil and later continued with Chevron. His dedication, ambition, and business ability led to a successful career and numerous opportunities for advancement. During one eleven-year period, Jerry was transferred eight times throughout the Northeast as he progressed professionally. His career took him many places and introduced him to countless people, but Houston always remained an important part of who he was.

After retiring from Chevron, Jerry continued working, doing data management for the Houston Independent School District. He was a hardworking and determined man who took great pride in his career and in providing for his family.

Jerry’s faith was an important part of his life. He was an active and devoted member of Foundry Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday school classes and participated in GriefShare classes. He found meaningful ways to serve others throughout his years at the church. Near the end of his

life, Jerry served as a door greeter, a role he especially enjoyed because it gave him the opportunity to welcome people to church. His genuine warmth and friendliness made others feel seen and welcomed.

Jerry was also a member of The Fellowship Riders, a group that brought together his love of motorcycles, fellowship, and service. He enjoyed the scenic motorcycle rides the group took to various destinations around Houston, but the friendships and opportunities to help others were just as important to him. The Fellowship Riders volunteered in the community in many ways, including providing toys for children at Christmas and, on Memorial Day, laying wreaths on the graves of Veterans at Houston National Cemetery.

Jerry was not a veteran, but he had a deep respect for those who served in the military and was a proud American and Texan. Praying for those in need and supporting fellow members of the group brought many close friendships throughout the years. Jerry was proud to be part of a group that combined fellowship with service to others.

Another church group Jerry was involved with was the Backyard Crew. The group helped people who needed home repairs and assistance with yard work. Jerry was a skilled do-it-yourselfer and was able to tackle many home repairs and maintenance projects around the house. He also took great pride in his yard and won Yard of the Month many times for his beautifully landscaped homes. Working outside brought Jerry a great deal of pleasure, and his skills and willingness to help were gifts he was always happy to share with others.

Above all, Jerry was a family man. He was a loving father to his three children: Melinda Kaye Baird Westlund, married to Bill Westlund; Paul Creighton Baird, married to Angela TenEyck; and Cheryl Lynne Baird Valenzuela, married to John Valenzuela. He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren and a great-grandfather to five great-grandchildren.

Jerry will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his faith, his generosity, and his genuine enjoyment of people. He built lasting friendships wherever life took him and never lost his desire to welcome, encourage, and help others.

In his later years, Jerry lived in a nursing home while living with Alzheimer’s disease. Though those years brought challenges, the love of his family and friends remained a constant part of his life.

Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marian, in 2014.

He leaves behind his three children and their spouses, nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many friends whose lives were touched by his kindness and friendship.

A Celebration of Life honoring Jerry will be held at Klein Funeral Home, 9719 Wortham Blvd., Houston, Texas 77065, on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Reverend Rene Truan, Associate Pastor of Foundry Methodist Church, will deliver the eulogy. All are welcome to attend and join Jerry’s family and friends in celebrating his life.