Donald Laird Obituary

Donald Benjamin Laird was born June 10, 1938, in Massac County, Metropolis, Illinois to Paul Henry Laird and Robbie Lucile (Hamby) Laird. Don grew up in Pueblo, Colorado. He went to Centennial High School in Pueblo. His senior year in high school he joined the United States Marine Corp.

Don met his first wife, Virginia Winter, in Florida while serving in the Marines. After the end of his first marriage he returned to Pueblo, Colorado. He worked at the state hospital as an orderly until he took a job as a lineman for Mountain State Telephone and Telegraph.

He met his wife Crystol Krout at a roller rink. They were married on February 20, 1960, and resided in Swink. During their marriage they have lived in Colorado, California, Minnesota, and Illinois. While married and living in Pueblo, Colorado he earned his Associates in Nursing and worked for Parkview Hospital.

Don and his family lived in Freeport, Illinois from 1971-1993. He worked for and retired from

Contel Telephone Company as a Cable Repairman. As a part-time job, on weekends and evenings, he taught ground school and flew planes. He was an active member of Scottish Rite Masonic Evergreen Lodge #170 and a past Master. When Don moved back to Swink, Colorado, he came out of retirement and worked as a drug and alcohol rehabilitation counselor. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul Henry Laird, and Robbie (Hamby) Laird. He is also preceded in death by one son, Christian Gregory Laird who died at birth.

He leaves behind his wife, Crystol (Krout) Laird; daughter Debbie Phanuef, Lynn (Craig) Happel; son, Jan (Kelly) Laird; daughter, Robin (Dan) Saiz; daughter, Sara (Clark) Paulsen; son, Scott (Emily Swenson) Laird; daughter, Heather (BiIl) Porch; son, Paul Laird; son, Ben (Chen, Jing Jing) Laird; son, Joshua (Lacey) Laird, and Brandon (Libby Barbee) Laird. He had thirty-one grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren.

He enjoyed fishing, telling tall tales, using his hands to fix things, gardening, his Koi Pond, friends and family.

Funeral services will be Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Visitation will be Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.