Jack Cecil Baird, 73, of Gilbertsville, formerly of Carbondale and Murphrysboro, Ill., passed away at 4:56 p.m. October 12, 2012, at St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri.

He was born February 21, 1939, in East St. Louis, Ill., to Cecelia (Kinder) and Russell Baird.

He served his country in the U.S. Air Force and came home to manage the Farm Fresh Milk Store in Murphysboro.

Jack was of the Catholic faith. He was a 32nd degree Mason.

He was a self-employed construction contractor and owned property in Gilbertsville, including Magnolia Manor, and Laundry World, West College Ice Cream Shoppe, and the Hickory Log in Carbondale. He had managed the Burger Mart fast food chain throughout southern Illinois.

Survivors include two sons and a daughter-in-law, Kevin of Columbus, Ohio, and Curtis (Gina) of Carbondale; a daughter, Jacqueline Baird of Carbondale; three grandsons, Aeian, Corbin, and Riley Baird; one brother, Michael Baird of Murphysboro; and a life mate, Tina Moore of Gilbertsville, and her family, daughters, Lynnette (Joe) Davidson of South Fulton, Tenn., Val (John) Kortz, Paducah; son, Charles (Lori) Singery, Gilbertsville; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial service will be held at Collier Funeral Chapel at 7 p.m., Thursday, October 18, 2012, with the Rev. Danny Holt officiating.

Visitation will be held at Collier Funeral Home on Thursday, October 18, 2012, between the hours of 5 and 7 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Jack Baird Memorial Fund, 422 Moors Rd., Gilbertsville, KY 42044.