SPARTA – C. Stanley Baird, 89, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 3:54 PM, in Randolph County Care Center, Sparta, Illinois.

Stanley was born on July 27, 1935, to Clarence and Florance (Montgomery) Baird in Sparta, IL.  On June 11, 1955, Stanley married Alice Smith at Peace Lutheran Church in Steeleville, IL. They shared 69 years of married life together. Stanley's first passion was farming and he also worked at Spartan Printing in the Press Room, for 31 years, and retired from there in 1990.

Stanley enjoyed going and listening to high school basketball games and in his younger days, was an avid bird hunter. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sparta, where he served as a Deacon and Trustee. He was also a member of the Randolph County Farm Bureau.

Stanley is survived by his wife, Alice Baird of Sparta, IL, his son, Stephen (Rhonda) Baird of Sparta, IL, his daughter, Tammy (Robert) Gielow of Steeleville, IL, his grandchildren: Joey (Holly) Baird of Mequon, WI, Jill (Keith) Georger of Columbia, IL, Greg (Mallory) Baird, Jeff (Michelle) Baird of Sparta, IL, Bradley (Becky) Gielow of Steeleville, IL; his great grandchildren: Melany, Alyssa, Nathan, Elly, Kaylin, Alaina, and Griffin; his step brother-in-law, Reuel Smith of Chester, IL, and his step sister-in-law, Mary Ann (Robert) Heberlie of Chester, IL.

Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law, Earl (Velma) Smith and step brother-in law, Ralph Smith.

Visitation will be held Wednesday morning, March 26, 2025, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville, IL, where friends may call from 9:00 am until time of service. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am with Brother Tim McIntyre officiating. Interment to follow at Caledonia Cemetery, Sparta, IL. Memorials may be given to Sparta Senior Site and can be mailed to Wilson's Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.