Robert Nebel Baird

Feb. 20, 1927 – Aug. 30, 2016

Robert “Bob” Nebel Baird died Aug. 30, 2016, in Billings from injuries sustained in a car accident. He was born Feb. 20, 1927, in Cowley to Daniel C. and Ona Nebel Baird.Growing up in Cowley, Bob played basketball as a forward and guard for the Cowley High School Jaguars. Then, along with his brother Melvin, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he was stationed in Alaska in 1945.After the war, Bob met Margaret Ann Gwynn and from that point on was devoted to her. They were married Aug. 11, 1950, in the LDS Logan Temple in Logan, Utah. Shortly after their marriage, Bob was called to serve in the Korean War. During the war, his unit received two distinguished citations for their courage in battle.[caption id="attachment_11587" align="alignright" width="285"] Robert Nebel Baird[/caption]Upon returning home, Bob, his wife and young son Bobby settled in Powell for a short time, and it was there that Neil was born. Later, the family moved to Lovell where Bob and his brother Melvin, along with Carlos Henderson and Wayne Bennion, started Sage Creek Refining Company in Cowley, as well as a series of Save-Way gas stations. The family grew in size to include children Pauline, Marilyn, Eric and Bryan. He was a devoted father and provider, and always had a solution ready for any problem.Bob was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in the bishopric, as a teacher and in various other callings through the years. His service was of the quiet kind, and he always looked for opportunities to help his family and neighbors, and give service to the community. Because he was not able to serve a mission when he was younger, Bob was thrilled to be called to serve a mission later in life alongside his wife. Bob and Ann served in the Omaha, Neb. Winter Quarters Mission from 1998 to 1999, and later became temple workers in the Billings Temple.Bob loved the Big Horns, riding his horse and fly-fishing, and he did those things as often as time allowed. In his 89 years, what brought him the most joy was the time he was able to spend with his 19 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.Bob and Ann celebrated 66 years together this past August. His family will miss him dearly, but they take comfort in the knowledge that he lived a life that gave him a lot of joy, and when he departed this life to return home to his family and his beloved wife Ann, he left a legacy of love and service that will continue for years to come.He is survived by his sister, Wilma Fisher of Pocatello, Idaho, his children Robert, Neil, Pauline, Marilyn, Eric and Bryan, 19 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday Sept. 2, at Haskell Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at the Lovell Cemetery at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 3.The family appreciates those who mourn his passing, but ask for no flowers at this time.