Tributes

Edward Kenneth “Kenny” Baird, 73, of California, PA passed away on Monday June 1, 2026. A son of the late Jack Vincent Baird and Marie Lane Baird, he was born in Williamsport, PA on July 21, 1952. Kenny was a Veteran serving with the 28th Infantry Division from 1971-1977. He attained the rank of Corporal. He was employed at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel in Monessen, PA for 16 years where he worked in the blast furnace department. He later was employed as a maintenance mechanic for Washington County Housing Authority from which he retired with 24 years of service. Kenny loved to hunt, fish, garden, and especially turkey hunting in spring and fall. He made various turkey callers including slate, box, and wing bone calls. He was known all over the United States for his turkey hunting knowledge and call making skills. He was published in the following books and magazines from his turkey call making and hunting skills: Turkey Call Magazine, 2013 Turkey Call Collections Guide Calls, Callmakers, and more by George Denka Jr. and Turkey Callmakers “Past & Present” The Rest of the Best by Earl Mickel. Kenny was also a former member of the American Wild Turkey Society and now member of the National Wild Turkey Federation. He was a former Steelworker Union Member of Local Union No. 1229 in Monessen, PA and was a shop steward, trustee, and Vice President of Teamsters Local 585 in Washington, PA. In addition, he was a Master Mason and a member of Monongahela Lodge No. 461 in California, PA. He was also a member of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, Valley of Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, and a former member of California Hill Gun Club and Italian American Citizens Club of California, PA. Left to cherish his memory is his significant other, Sheryl Matheson of California, PA and a son Jack Vincent Baird and wife Chrissy, grandsons Jaiden Baird and wife Rheanna and Xander Baird and partner Key all from Wichita, KS. His sister-in-law Terri Kuvinka of California, PA and his two nieces Tara Dietman and husband Michael of West Newton, PA and Kala Kuvinka of California, PA. Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Lori DeRosa, brother-in-law Justin Kuvinka, and his father and mother-in-law, James and Lillian Matheson. Also deceased are his faithful companions Slots, Smokey, Vincent, Pryce and Patsy. Kenny was a fun-loving, compassionate, caring, loving person who had the zest and love of life that his Creator “God” and the “Lord Jesus Christ” meant all of us to enjoy and cherish. This is the final chapter in the life of a Christian man who was blessed in life and eternally grateful to his creator. - Respectfully Edward Kenneth Baird There will be no public services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ferguson Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 700 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon. 724-929-5300. www.FergusonFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Tributes

Edward Kenneth "Kenny" Baird

July 21, 1952 - June 1, 2026