Vaughn Thomas Baird

He was born in Thorndale, TX, on October 23, 1929. His childhood on a small farm was full of hardscrabble adventures, which set the tone for a life characterized by hard work and great ambition. He married Joyce Lee West on August 28, 1949 in Wichita Falls and served her devotedly until her death on May 22, 2013. He cherished three sons and daughters-in-law and delighted in twelve grandchildren. In recent years, he welcomed the birth of seven great-grandchildren.

After working in the construction industry for a number of years, Vaughn founded BFW Construction, Co. in 1964 and worked there until 1978. He then began a series of “retirement” projects that included the development of Summer’s Mill, a stint as the CEO of Peoples National Bank, and, finally, the improvement of a cattle and hay farm in Belton. He invested in a number of local business ventures, offering both wisdom and financial support. His work ethic was unparalleled and serves as a model for his family and a testament to his faith.

Vaughn’s passion for travel and adventure led him to six continents and almost every state. He persuaded Joyce, his loving and patient companion, to make annual road-trips to Alaska, and he was an accomplished hunter of exotic game. Vaughn was an imposing figure and nurtured an outsized sense of humor. As a gifted storyteller, he told humorous tales and delivered speeches on the importance of leading an ethical and Godly life, both of which his family remembers with respect and affection. To his grandchildren, Vaughn leaves a wide-ranging legacy that includes an admonition to serve others and an appreciation for grazing cows and open fields. Those who knew him will treasure his impeccable moral code, his dedication to family, and his humble demeanor. He was a member of Temple Bible Church and served as a model of Christian leadership in his home and the community.

He is survived by his brother, Cue Baird and wife Marie, and his twin, Vernon Baird and wife Johnnie, all of Temple. His children are Thomas Baird and wife Cindy (Temple), David Baird and wife Kathy (Temple), and Byron Baird and wife Rosemary (Belton).

His grandchildren, whom he equipped with pocket-knives and many pearls of wisdom, include: Suzannah Smalley and husband David (Nederland), Jordan Baird and wife Brianne (Houston), Zachary Baird and wife Charlotte (Salado), Jeffrey Baird (Houston), Julianne Baird (Temple) and LauraLee Baird (Austin). In addition, Lauren Baird and husband Robert Trottmann (San Antonio), Michael Baird and wife Colleen (Oakhurst, CA), Katherine Thomas and husband Michael (Chantilly, VA), and Andrew Baird and wife Jenni (Oakland, CA). Also, Addie Baird (Austin) and Audrey Baird (Belton).

His great-grandchildren are: Helen and Huck Baird Trottmann (San Antonio), Elliot Baird (Oakhurst), Hugh Smalley (Nederland), Gemma and Jansen Baird (Houston), and Annelise Baird (Oakland). They are blessed to inherit his legacy of determination and humility.

Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Temple will hold a visitation from 6-8 pm on Friday, October 31, and funeral services at 11 am on Saturday, November 1. Following the service, burial will take place at North Belton Cemetery.

The family asks that memorials be offered to Foundation for Fighting Blindness (P.O. Box 17279, Baltimore, MD, 21297-0495) or J.A.I.L. Ministries (P.O. Box 634, Belton, TX, 76513).