Gary Laird

Gary Wayne Laird, 53, died at 6:08 a.m., Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at his residence. He was born in St. Louis on October 22, 1956, one of five children born to the late Bob and Marian (Jeffries) Laird. Although only married a brief time, he had found his soul mate when he married the former Angela Hefner on February 10, 2007 in Miami, Florida. She survives. He was the farm manager at Eckerts Orchard in Grafton, Illinois for thirty years. He also served as Jersey County Deputy Coroner Since 1996. His love of playing his drums, traveling, nature, and most of all spending time with his grandchildren will forever be remembered by his family and friends.

In addition to his widow, surviving are his children, Kourtney (Laird) Kantor and son-in-law Joe of Decatur; Joshua Laird and daughter-in-law Lindsay of Elsah; Drew Laird and daughter-in-law Laura of Godfrey; and Emily Laird of Jerseyville; step children Katelyn Pohlman of Grafton and Connor Ashlock of Jerseyville. Grandchildren Kyler, Keagan and Kameron Kantor of Decatur; Ellie and Alaina Laird of Elsah and Max Laird of Godfrey. Siblings include brothers Rick (Karen) Laird of Jerseyville; Michael (Denise) Laird of Carrollton and sister Sandy (Ralph) Parker of Alton. He was preceded in death by his sibling Gerald Laird and his parents.

Gary will be extremely missed by his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a fantastic husband, father, grandfather and a friend to all.

Visitation will be at Alexander Funeral Home in Jerseyville on Sunday, December 20, 2009 from 1 to 4 p.m. Services will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 21, 2009 at Alexander Funeral Home with Sonny Renken officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the family.

Obit Provided By:
Alexander Funeral Home