Robert "Bob" E. Laird

Robert Earl Laird, of Willcox, passed away in his sleep on May 19 at the age of 95 with his family at his side. Bob was born at his grandfather’s farm near McKinney, Texas on April 8, 1929. During his childhood, Bob’s family moved 16 times, residing in four states and ten different towns. He attended at least 18 different schools and assisted with the family income by picking cotton, pulling cotton bolls, hoeing cotton fields, and following the wheat harvest all the way to South Dakota. Bob graduated from Lakeview High School where he was a member of the football, basketball, baseball, and track teams. He also participated in tennis, softball, and boxing. When the bus driver moved his senior year, he even drove the school bus. When he was 18 years old, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served proudly for four years, two in Korea where he was assigned to the Marine Corps Engineer Battalion. Bob was part of the Inchon landing and the capture and securing of Seoul. He also participated in the Wonsan-Hungnam-Chosin Campaign. After being discharged from the Marines, Bob moved at least 18 more times, living in five states and seven cities. He worked various jobs including surveyor, truck driver, and aircraft machinist. In 1972, he moved to Willcox and soon met Jean Cotten Barnes and her three children. Love struck, he never moved again. Bob was devoted to Jean for the remainder of his life and their entire marriage of almost 51 years. While living in Willcox, he worked for the Cochise County Farmer’s Association. Bob loved camping, square dancing, and spending time with his many friends and family. He loved fishing anyplace, but Alaska was his favorite. He patiently taught his children, grandchildren, and their numerous friends to water ski, fish, and camp. He and Jean were avid travelers, visiting 48 states and 16 countries together. Bob is survived by his beloved wife Jean, stepdaughter Beth (Sam) Lesley, granddaughters Holli (Allen) Fallbeck and Sondra Lesley, grandson Jacob (Kathleen) Barnes, seven great grandchildren, and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Luther and Tennie Laird, brother Charles (Delores) Laird, sister Peggy (Harold) Brown, and three stepsons - Richard Miller, Brit Barnes and Troy Barnes. Funeral Service will be 10;00 am on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Westlawn Chapel. Burial will follow in Sunset Cemetery.

Robert "Bob" E. Laird

April 8, 1929 - May 19, 2024