Howard G. "Corky" Baird

Howard G. "Corky" Baird

Howard G. "Corky" Baird, age 81, of Erie, died Monday, April 7, 2008 at his residence following an extended illness. He was born December 17, 1926 in Erie, a son of the late Howard F. and Edith Nelson Baird.

Howard served in the United States Navy during World War II. He had worked as a machinist and worked as a bartender at Nunzies Tavern. He was a Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians and Penn State sports fan, enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary E. Kruth Baird, and one sister, Donlyn Guirlinger. He is survived by two daughters, Deborah Rogers and her husband, Chet, and Kathy M. Wegelin and her husband, Erik, all of Erie; five sons, Michael J. Baird, Mark F. Ericson and his wife Michele, and Scott M. Baird and his wife, Doreen, all of Erie, Patrick J. Baird, Indianapolis, IN, and David L. Baird and his fiance, Jetta, Atlanta, GA. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, Wednesday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to attend a service there on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. with the Rev. Harry H. Johns III officiating. Burial will be in Erie County Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice, 1305 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16501.