Thomas M. Baird (74), MSgt, USAF (Retired), passed away Thursday, August 3, 2023, at his home in Madera after a battle with cancer. Tom accepted Jesus as his personal savior at a Hume Lake retreat and was active in his church.
Tom was born in San Diego while his father was in the Navy. Before moving to Fresno, his family lived in Hawaii and small towns in CA. He graduated from Bullard HS in 1967 and attended Navy boot camp in San Diego. He trained as a jet engine mechanic in Kingsville, TX, and moved to Miramar Air Station in San Diego for F-4 Phantom training. He was assigned to the VF-154 Black Knights flying squadron and deployed to Viet Nam aboard the USS Ranger. After the deployment ended, he left the Navy and attended Fresno City College to become a licensed Aircraft & Powerplant Mechanic. He worked in flight operations in Fresno, Madera, Merced, and Chowchilla.
In 1984 he joined the 144FW at the Fresno ANG base as an F-4 crew chief. The base transitioned to the F-16 Falcon, and he continued in maintenance until a new position as a data analyst became available. He retired from the ANG in 2004, serving 10 years as a crew chief and 10 years as an analyst. He served as a traditional guardsman and as a GS-9 Air Technician. He started a computer repair business and worked for Giersch & Associates as a CAD draftsman and IT specialist. He enjoyed camping, traveling, restoring old cars, and time with his children and grandchildren.
Tom is survived by his wife of 48 years, Janet, his son Jeremiah, daughter-in-law Veronica, grandchildren Jonah and Alexandria. He was also brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, and great-great uncle to the Giersch family of Madera and Baird family of Arizona.
Viewing at Jay Chapel will be on August 18th from 3 pm to 6 pm. There will be a private graveside ceremony with full military honors for family and former or current military members and their spouses.
A celebration of life will be held at Grace Community Church in Madera on September 2nd at 10:30 am. 17755 Road 26.
In lieu of gifts, donations can be made to Hinds Hospice or Gideons International.
