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Marion Foster (Dimond)
Brother of our classmate Royal Baird Jr.
Roland Eugene Baird passed away on March 29, 2026, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Alton, IL, on June 8, 1950, son of Royal E. Baird and Frances Boker Baird Ray.
Roland attended Alton, IL, schools and after graduation from Alton High School he joined U.S. Army from 1968 – 1971. He proudly served his country in L Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) during the Vietnam War from 1969 - 1970. He was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC (11th Armored Cavalry's Veterans of Vietnam & Cambodia), VFW Post 1299, and American Legion Post 199.
After the Army, Roland began his IT career and was employed by Blue Cross Blue Shield, Olin Corporation, Arch Chemicals, and Lonza International. He retired as a network engineer.
Roland loved baseball and the St. Louis Cardinals. He worked as an usher with the Cardinals for 10 years, his “fun” retirement job. He also worked 6 years at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, FL for St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, camping, traveling, beach sunsets, music events and concerts, especially The Grateful Dead and Jimmy Buffett. Roland will be remembered for his quick wit and warm winning smile. He was always ready with a joke or comment to lighten the mood. He had a gift of making everyone feel welcome and valued.
Roland was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Charles Baird, in-laws Emmett and Vi Winkle, and brother-in-law, James Winkle.
Roland is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jackie, daughters Stacey Cowern (Steve), Amy Crook (Tom Wright), Ren’ae Barnes and son Brian Baird. He is also survived by brothers Royal E. Baird Jr. (Kelly), Clark Baird and sister-in-law Julie Winkle. Also surviving are grandchildren Megan and Ryan Cowern, Owen, Quinn and Willow Wright, nieces Emily Meuth (Jake), Allison Patel (Rishi), Karly McDonald (Roger), great-nieces, great-nephews, and many cousins.
Funeral services will be held on May 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville, IL and a committal service at 12:30 p.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Mo.
An informal Celebration of Life reception/party will be held on May 11, 2026, at The Outlet Event Center, 2477 S. State Rte. 157, Edwardsville, IL from 4:00 – 8:00 pm. Please plan to join our family to share memories and celebrate Roland’s life. Feel free to wear your St. Louis Cardinals, Dead or Buffett attire to honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to 11ACVVC Scholarship Fund or Cardinals Care. Condolences may be shared online at weberfuneralhome.com.
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