Leon R. Baird

Leon R. Baird, 59, died May 27, 2017 at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City.  He was born on March 13, 1958 in Dodge City, the son of Thurman and Arlene (Stegman) Baird.

Leon was a 1976 graduate of Dodge City High School.  In 1979, he married Rita Jones.  They later divorced.  He attended Fort Hays State University and then transferred to Butler County Community College.  While at Butler, he received his Associates Degree in Nursing and a cosmetology degree.  Leon worked in the ICU and ER in hospitals in El Dorado, Kansas City and Dodge City.  He also worked at nursing homes in Minneola, Fort Dodge, and at Good Samaritan in Dodge City.  Leon served 15 years in the Army Reserves.  After his health no longer allowed him to work as a nurse, he started working as the custodian at the First Presbyterian Church in Dodge City.  Leon enjoyed many activities including gardening, bicycling, swimming, and horseback riding.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren.  Leon was always teasing people and had a laugh that will always be remembered.    

Leon is survived by a daughter, Ashley Dexter and husband Ryan of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; a son, Eric Baird  of Dodge City; his mother, Arlene Baird of Dodge City; two brothers, Danny Baird  and wife Joli and Kirt Baird all of Dodge City, five grandchildren, Emerie and Drayton Baird, Brody and Gavin Corral, and Serik Gingerich and their mother, Sheena Gingerich all of Dodge City;  two uncles, Vernon Baird of Golden, Colorado and Gerald Stegman of Dodge City; an aunt, Darlene Elias of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and three nieces, Jessica Baird of Jetmore, Justyce Baird of Dodge City, and Alexandra Adams of Lawrence.  He is preceded in death by his father, Thurman; sister, Jeanette Adams; niece, Lyndsie Baird; and former spouse, Rita Baird Hamilton.

Rosary will be at 7:00 PM Thursday June 1, 2017 at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Dodge City.  Funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday June 2, 2017 at 10:30 AM.  Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Thursday June  1, 2017 from noon to 8:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to the family in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.