Danny Joe Baird

Danny Joe Baird, 66, of Abilene, passed away Monday, May 8, 2017. Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, with Rev. Stan Allcorn officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.

Danny was born August 5, 1950 in Dallas, Texas to William and Billie (Grammer) Baird. He graduated from Duncanville High School, North Texas State University and received his Master's degree from Golden Gate University.

December 12, 1970, Danny married his high school sweetheart, Gayle Fowler, in Duncanville, Texas. He was in the United States Air Force, retiring after 23 years of service to the country he loved, as a C-130 Navigator and Lt. Colonel.  After various assignments, his career landed him in Abilene, which Danny and Gayle have always considered their home.

He loved his family and friends, hunting deer and hogs, fishing, the Dallas Cowboys, the United States Air Force and his country. He was a great father, husband, and Pops to his grandkids. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Danny was preceded in death by his father, William Baird, and his son, Steven Wayne Baird in 2005. After Steven's death, Danny and Gayle adopted Steven's son, Steven Kyle Baird.

He is survived by his wife, Gayle Baird of Abilene; his mother, Billie Hess of Abilene; two sons, Jason Baird and wife Mendy of Tuscola, and Steven Kyle Baird of Abilene; one brother, Jeffrey Hess and wife Koy of Warner Robbins, Georgia; and three grandchildren, Colson Baird, Kinley Baird and Rylan Baird.

Ronnie Munson, Lester Munson, Scott Fowler, and Jeff Hess will serve as pallbearers.

Memorials may be made in Danny's honor to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1651 Pine Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.