Donald Delmont Baird

Donald Delmont Baird, 97, of Newton, formerly of Woodville, passed away peacefully into the Lord on May 15, 2025.

Born in Little River, Texas, to Clifford and Cecil Mae Baird, he lived in Tyler County for many years and was a U. S. Navy Veteran.  A longtime and faithful member of First Baptist Church in Colmesneil, Don enjoyed helping people.  He and his wife, Barbara, owned and operated K & J Market in Colmesneil for many years, making long-time friends with their customers.  

Don was a longtime member of the Homer Masonic Lodge in Huntington and served in the Yellow Pines Lodge in Colmesneil.  Don enjoyed talking and getting to know people, as evidenced by the many friends he made in Colmesneil; this won him elected Mayor of Colmesneil, where he kept this title for over twenty years.  In 2015, he was honored as Citizen of the Year by the Tyler County Chamber of Commerce for his dedication not only to Colmesneil but to Tyler County.  His huge personality, generous heart and love for Christ will forever be remembered.

Don is preceded in death by his father, Clifford Bryan Baird; mother, Cecil Mae Cobb Baird; first wife, Beatrice Baird; second wife, Barbara Baird; brother, Kenneth Baird; son, Kevin Baird; daughter and grandson, Lisa and Caleb Blevins; and grandson, Alex Johnson.

He is survived by his loving family, daughter, Cherie Coker of Newton; son, Keith Baird and wife, Jo Ella of Lufkin; daughters, Benita Citrano and husband, Anthony of Barnum, Pam Vinson of Barnum, Jeannie Johnson and husband, Dennis of Chester, Chyrl Pounds and husband, Todd of Woodville; twenty grandchildren, fifty-three great grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren, other family members and friends.

Funeral service will be held Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2 pm at the Riley Funeral Home Chapel with his son-in-law, Todd Pounds, officiating. A Masonic service will follow the service at the funeral home. Military Honors will be held at the Colmesneil City Cemetery immediately after the service. Visitation will be held Sunday from 1 pm until 2 pm at the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers will be Brandon Johnson, Zach Pounds, Jason Citrano, Douglas Brinkley, Chad Coker, and David Turpin.  Serving as honorary pallbearers will be all other grandchildren, Art Spurlock, Vance Cowart, Joe Savoy, and Jim Fitzgerald.

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