William Duane Baird Sr., 78, of Ruffsdale, South Huntingdon Township, passed away at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, in UPMC East, Monroeville. Duane was born Aug. 13, 1943, in Mt. Pleasant, a son of the late Clifford W. and Eleanor Ruth (Finfrock) Baird. He married Rachel E. Stants on Aug. 3, 1963, and she passed away Jan. 22, 2021. Duane was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was employed as a lab technician with Eastman Chemicals, West Elizabeth, for over 30 years, retiring in 2002. Duane was a faithful member the Fairview Church of God where he served as deacon and attended bible study. He enjoyed stock car racing, NASCAR, hunting, and fishing, a veteran of the Vietnam War, he served his country in the Air Force from 1962 to 1965. Duane will be sadly missed by his loving family who affectionately called him "Pap"; his two children, Becci Miller and husband, Dave, of Ruffsdale, and Bill "Smokey" Baird and his wife, Anita, of Richeyville; his three grandchildren, Kisih Walters (Nick), Carle Peternal (Benjamin), and Garrett Baird; his two great-grandchildren, Cassidy and Connor; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Rachel Ladisic (May 12, 2019); his brother, Benjamin Baird (Sept. 19, 2017); his nephew, Bobby Baird (Feb. 29, 1980); and his niece, Kathleen Brown Florian. Personalized arrangements are under the professional supervision supervision of ROBERT B. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 105 SPRING STREET, SCOTTDALE. ( www.fergusonfunerals.com ). Family and friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday and 10 to 11 a.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday with Pastor Scott Leichliter and Bill "Smokey" Baird co-officiating. Chapel committal service and interment will follow in Green Ridge Memorial Park. The Scottdale-Everson Honor Guard will bestow full military honors prior to the funeral service. Memorials may be made to the family in care of the funeral home. Love Lasts Forever.