Merrill Milford “Buddy”, “Dutch” Laird, 87, of Clearfield died Monday, March 11, 2013 at Ridgeview Elder Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Curwensville. Born Jan. 18, 1926 in Spring Valley, he was the son of Kenneth Harvey and Iva Mae (Rowles) Laird.
Mr. Laird was first self-employed running a saw mill. He then worked for Harbison-Walker Refractories, Penn Lines and Haxelett. He eventually retired from Warner Tree Trimming. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.
He was first married to Jennie Laird and then married the former Alice A. (Shaffer) Rader, who preceded him in death May 21, 2012. He was also preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Elmer Laird, a sister, Florence Krise, an infant sister, Gladys Laird and a grandson, Christopher Paul Laird.
Surviving are eight children, Patricia Deitrich of Port Matilda, Rick Laird and his wife, Tammi of Harker Heights, TX, Kenneth Laird and his wife, Mary, Gregory Laird and Tammi Buck and her husband, Chris, all of Clearfield, Penny Wisor and her husband, Ronald of Bigler and Pamala Linbert and her husband, Christopher and Michael Laird and his wife, Connie, all of Curwensville.
Also surviving are 19 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, a sister, Mildred McCullough of Spring Valley, a step-daughter, Mary Neeper and her husband, Howard of Hyde, nine step-grandchildren, 19 step-great-grandchildren, and 12 step-great great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mr. Laird will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. 16 N. Front St., Clearfield, with the Rev. Kenneth Pry officiating.
Friends will be received from 6 p.m. – p.m. Wednesday and from 10 a.m. until time of services Thursday at the funeral home.
The family suggests contributions be made to the Community Care Group of Ridgeview Elder Care, 30 Fourth Ave., Curwensville, PA 16833.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chidboyfuneralhome.com.
The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Clearfield is in charge of the arrangements.
