Thomas Laufman Baird, Sr.

Thomas L. Baird, born September 18, 1937 in Shreveport, LA to Robert Laufman Baird and Lillian Guice Baird. Lived and raised all his life in Shreveport. He attended Alexander Elementary, Hamilton Terrance Jr. High, and Byrd High School where he graduated in 1955. He attended Centenary College majoring in Business Administration. After college he went to work as an agent for Life of VA Insurance Company. He was then employed as Sales Manager for Commonwealth Life Insurance Company where he stayed until 1972 returning to Life of VA for 3 years. In 1975 he began work for Hooper Holmes Portomedic as an inspector and in 1977 he became branch manager offering services to the 318 area code of LA. After an auto accident in 1990 Tom worked for 3 more years and retired due to his health. Tom was active in several Civic Organizations through the years and has given his time unselfishly to their causes. He helped organize the Ark La Tex Gun Collectors Association in 1961 and was one of its first board of directors and he was President off and on for over 30 years. He was also a charter member in the North LA Fly Fishers Association where he was Treasurer for 20 years. He was on the Board of Bass Life Association for 15 years and served as its Chairman from 2001-2002. In addition, he served as first Chairman of "Friends" of NRA Banquet in 1995 and 1996 for NRA Foundation. He was a volunteer for many events as well. He annually helped with "Get Hooked on Fishing" at Earl Williamson Park with kids; and ALBC Kids fishing Tournament at the Fish Hatchery. Tom was instrumental in getting donations annually for "Wildlife and Aquatic Ed. Programs; and in getting $10,000 donations for improvements at YMCA Camp Forbing. Tom loved hunting; fishing and giving his time to educating others so they would get the most enjoyment out of these sports. He took great pride in building his own guns, fly rods and flies for fishing. Preceding Tom in death is his beloved wife of 53 years, Norma Baird; parents; his sister, Patricia Baird Hendricks. Tom is survived by his son, Tommy Jr., enjoying many happy memories of fishing trips to AR and hunting trips to deer camps, also included was his buddy, a yellow lab, "Nugget". Also surviving Tom is his sister Susan Stutson; brother, William Baird and wife, Sherry; brother-in-law, Marvin King and wife Annette; several cousins, nieces and nephews. A Celebration of life will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at Rose-Neath's Southside Chapel. Interment will follow in Forest Park West Cemetery. Officiating will be Dr. Pat Day. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at the funeral home. Rose-Neath Southside 2500 Southside Drive 318-687-1256