Dean Laird
Dean “Deano” Laird, age 82, of Lone Oak, Ky., formerly of Union City, passed away at 9:50 am on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Mercy Health Paducah with his family by his side. He was born on March 31, 1942, in Metropolis, Ill., the son of Alvin P. and Kathleen Lucille (Anderson) Laird and was raised in Joppa, Ill.
Masonic Rites were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 26, 2024, followed by the funeral service at the Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home with Rev. Tom Quimby officiating. Burial followed in the DeSoto Cemetery.
Dean married the love of his life, Peggy Ellen Wolfe, on April 6, 1962. He was a member of Joppa Missionary Baptist Church, Masonic Lodge in DeSoto, Ill., and the Ainad Shrine of East St. Louis, Ill.
He retired as the Public Works Director for Union City and had previously been employed for 18 years by United Cities Gas Company as a Town Manager. He was an avid storyteller, motorcycle rider, boater, fisherman, old car enthusiast and loved to piddle.
Dean is survived by his wife of 62 years, Peggy Laird; daughters, Tracey Rice and husband, Craig, and Kelley Castleman; grandchildren, Casey Kistler (Bryce), Jamey Morris (Kyle), Cody Castleman (April) and Zach Castleman (Lavonia); great-grandchildren, Brylee, Carlee and Jeliza Rose; sister-in-law, Joyce Lambert; brother-in-law, Dale Wolfe (Melba); several nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Harold and Louise Wolfe; son-in-law, Brad Castleman; and brothers-in-law, Bob Wolfe (Sue) and Chuck Lambert.
Visitation was held on Sunday, May 26, 2024, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made in Dean’s name to the American Cancer Society, 1 E. Wacker Drive, Ste. 1500, Chicago, IL 60601-1851; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Pallbearers were Cody Castleman, Zach Castleman, Jeff Lambert, Justin Lam-bert, Bryce Kistler and Kyle Morris.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.
Published in The Messenger on 5.29.24