Merle T., Baird, Bolivar, was born in Johnstown on August 8, 1943, to the late Merle Edward and Irene Grace (Penrose) Baird.  He peacefully entered Heaven's gates on May 10, 2025.  He was united in marriage to the former Patricia Hall on September 2, 1961.  They were married for 56 blissful years.  Merle was a coal miner for 19 years and was part of the mine rescue team.  He loved horses and was a member of Clyde Saddle Club and Sleepy Hollow 4-H Club and was one of the founding members of Tri-Community Ambulance Service.  Merle was preceded in death by his parents, wife Patricia "Patty" Kay (Hall) Baird, and brother Terry Baird.

Survived by his children, son Edward (Anna) Baird, Somerset, PA; daughter Teresa (Brian) Caldwell; daughter Sandy (Dustin) Peters; and son Dustin (Elizabeth) Baird, all of Bolivar, PA. He had nine grandchildren, Justin (Kelsey) Peters, Shelby (Dr. Colin) Baird-Smith, Garrett Baird, Dakota (Kylie) Peters, Olivia (Garrett) Nicely, Odessa (Matt) Lukon, Cole (Mallory) Peters, Paden Caldwell, and Paige Caldwell, and great-grandchildren Anne, Harlyn, Jayde, Blake, Reese, Ezmie, Maverick, Zane, twins Loretta and Presley and two to be born.  Brother Barry (Margaret) Baird, Lancaster, PA, and many beloved nieces and nephews.  Special friend Darcie McIntosh, and four-footed companion Pup Pup/Weiner.

Friends received 3-7 pm Friday at Kenneth A. Stuart Funeral Home, 139 Ligonier St., New Florence where funeral service will be held 11 AM Saturday. Future inurnment Germany Lutheran Cemetery.  Online condolences may be left at www.thestuartfuneralhomes.com Be still and now that I am God.  Psalm 46:10