AVA – B. Joe Baird, 69, of Ava, passed away at 7:30 pm, at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital, Murphysboro.

Joe was born in Carbondale, Illinois, on October 10, 1951, the son of Byrle and Betty McGill Baird, and was raised by his mother and father, Rudy and Betty Seibert.  He married Theresa R. Morrow on June 13, 1970, at Ava.  She preceded him in death on September 21, 2019.  He was a retired prison guard from Menard Correctional Center and worked for Kuhnert Farms.  Joe was a retired Chief of the Ava Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the Ava Saddle Club.  He enjoyed his time outdoors camping, hunting, fishing, riding horses and motorcycles.  His grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Joe is survived by his children, Mike (Wendy) Morrow of Belleville, Tammy (Al) Rednour of Herrin, Bobbie (Josh) Franklin of Ava, and Barbara (Joe) Vancil of Campbell Hill; 14 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; siblings, Sharon Buser of Murphysboro, Roy (Tina) Baird of Elkville, Anna McClanahan of DuQuoin, Robin Hershey of DuQuoin, Starlitt (Jeff) Rogers of Ava, Nellie Travelstead of Carterville, and Susie Hopkins of Benton; several nieces and nephews; and several great nieces and great nephews.

Joe was also preceded in death by his Parents; brother, Jerry Seibert; nephews, Skip Skidmore and Benjamin Thomas; and niece, Jessica Baird.

Graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at Ava Evergreen Cemetery with Minister Deb Rathert officiating.  Burial will follow.  Those attending the graveside service, are asked to meet at the cemetery.  Visitation will be held at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, on Tuesday, from 5 pm until 8 pm.  By executive order, only 50 people will be allowed in the funeral home at one time.  Face masks and social distancing guidelines will be followed.  Memorials may be given to Ava Volunteer Fire Department or American Heart Association.