David Ray Baird

David Ray Baird peacefully passed away in his sleep on April 13, 2024, with his loyal companion Ruger by his side at his residence in Evansville, Wyoming. Preceded in death by both parents Gladys Shinabarger Baird-Nelson and David C. Baird, brother Mike Baird, son William Spint, sister Jill Baird, nephew Josh Natchke, and former wife and mother of his children, Patricia Baird-Pyburn. David is survived by his children Theresa Chianca (Dan), Kristeen Baird-Terzich, Philip Baird (April), Catherine Brown (Ryan), and Susan Doyle (Steven). He also had many grandchildren including Todd (McKenzie), Louis, Nicholas, Steven, Travis (Brittney), Hailey (Dominic), Colleen (Dillon), Delora, Katarina, Briuanna, Anthony, Patrick, Levi, Jacob, Hunter, Katelyn, Malakhi, 14 great-grandchildren, and his siblings, Bill Baird and Donna Natchke.

David's birth in Rapid City, South Dakota on April 15th, 1952 marked the start of a life that was bound to be filled with both challenges and opportunities. His experiences in Sturgis, SD helped shape him into the resilient and resourceful person he would become. Once, David C. took the boys to a camping spot and left. David bravely led Mike and Billy back to town after a rare and unexpected blizzard caught them unprepared.

David's innovative and creative nature brought him a unique talent of cobbling together vehicles. One of his most impressive creations was a mudding dune buggy that he built by cutting the top off an old car and welding roll bars onto it. The daredevils attached a bus seat to the roll bars.

David loved sports and was a talented football player. However, his football career ended after a ranching injury caused by jumping from a truck. He remained a lifelong Stealers fan and continued to participate in other sports, despite the risk of injury. David began working for ranchers around age 15. His dedication and hard work shone through when he helped herd turkeys all the way from Eastern South Dakota to Sturgis. David was excited for the annual cattle drive, where he could drive his four-wheeler and enjoy delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies. David was known for his strong work ethic and diverse skills. He worked hard drilling water wells, logging, and for Black Hills Bentonite. He eventually retired from NARM. One of David's favorite pastimes was teaching his children to hunt and fish. He used to say, “I guess a guy could” or “I don't know about that.". His family takes comfort in knowing that he is now free from the struggles of his final days.

Fred is no longer under the bed; he went to the train station.

Graveside services will be held at Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis, SD.

The services will begin at 10 a.m. with a celebration of life to follow at Loud American Roadhouse.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Epilepsy foundation or charity of your choice.

Bear Butte Address: 
E. Sherman St
Sturgis, SD 57785

Special thanks to Bustards Jacoby funeral in Casper Wyoming for facilitating a respectful and smooth transition.