Frank Jessie Baird

Frank J. Baird, 91, of Beckley, passed away on Monday, April 7, 2014.
“Worked in coal mines, sometimes went miles under ground, going under the mountain from side to side. Sometimes the mountain more than a mile over us. Just a job you love for it is always new. And the face of coal is always black and shiny. Never before seen by man, I always thought of it as beautiful. And the maker of all things, seek him that maketh all things. I am a flower lover, spring is always so beautiful, every day different.”
Born April 6, 1923 at Elk Valley, TN he was the son of the late Ulyssis S. and Lissie Kitts Baird.
Frank was raised by the late Elizzie M. Baird, his precious grandmother, in Elk Valley, TN. His mother passed away when he was 18 months old. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one full brother, Emmett J. Baird, Beckley, WV; one half-brother, Eddie Baird, CA; one half-sister, Wanda Baird, TN; step-brother, U.J. Baird, Cleveland, OH.
Frank was a faithful member of the Crab Orchard Missionary Baptist Church for over 60 years, a member of the Fellowship Class and assistant teacher for many years. He served in the CCC Camp when he was very young. Frank served in the Merchant Marines working in the Engineers Dept. in Camp Charles and Virginia Beach. He served in the 3rd Infantry Division in WWII in European Theater, 1944-1945.
He is survived by his wife, Mary K. Clark Baird; son, Frank Richard Baird and wife Erma of Scott Depot, WV; grandchildren, Frank Jeffery Baird and wife Christi of Scott Depot, WV, Jennifer Lee Baird Townsend and husband Robert Todd of Gallipolis, OH; great-grandchildren, Lee Ann and Mary Elizabeth Townsend of Gallipolis, OH, Ashton Baird, Scott Depot, WV,Corey and Evan Dalton, Brayden Methaney, Brooklyn Methaney and husband Levi; half-brother, Charles Baird and wife Nova of MI; half-sisters, Alma Radford and husband Harold of Bradley, WV, June Johnson of AR.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at Calfee Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Sisson and Larry Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may visit with the family from 6 to 8pm on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Sam Sanna, Pete Graham, Wayne Blevins, Johnny Williams, Larry Clark, Harold Radford, Allen Radford, George Soltes, Evan Dalton, Levi Methaney.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Dr., Beckley, WV 25801.
Online condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com.
Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley