Elbert L. Baird, 88, a resident of Otterbein Senior Lifestyle Choices, St. Marys, died at 12:39 p.m. Nov. 16, 2011, at St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima.

He was born Jan. 25, 1923, in Old Washington to Charles M. and Vera A. Boyd Baird. His first wife, Dorcas Woolley Baird, and his second wife, Marjorie Potter Hammann-Baird, are both deceased.

Surviving are two stepsons, James J. Hammann, Iowa Falls, Iowa, and Joseph P. Hammann, Tipp City.

A brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Elizabeth Baird, are deceased.

A 1941 graduate of Old Washington High School and a U.S. Army veteran, he spent his entire career in the lumber industry - first working at a lumber yard in Quaker City from 1948 to 1952, then working at Hoge Lumber in New Knoxville from 1952 to 1964 and later at the Anna Lumber Company, where he retired as manager.

He was a member of New Knoxville United Methodist Church and served as a Boy Scout leader for many years. He also volunteered at Otterbein and completed many woodworking projects there.

Services are 10:15 a.m. Monday at Otterbein's Meyer Community Chapel, the Rev. Dennis Gaertner officiating. Burial will follow at Arcadia Cemetery in Arcadia.

Calling is 9:30-10:15 a.m. Monday at Otterbein.

Contributions can be made to the Otterbein Benevolent Fund.

Condolences can be left at www.millerfuneralhomes.net.

Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, has charge of arrangements.