Melanie Jean Baird passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, May 22, 2022. She was 79 years of age. Melanie was born in Winfield, Kansas March 24, 1943, the first child of John Paul Thompson and Jean Maxine Maddox Thompson. Melanie was a strong-willed person. She survived Polio as a young child as well as numerous emotional and financial setbacks during her life. She always rebounded as a stronger person and was an inspiration to her family and friends.
Melanie graduated from Winfield High School in 1962. She married Charles Richard ‘Dick’ Baird, the son of Thomas O. and Laverne Brown Baird in Newton, Kansas on January 24, 1969. She and Dick moved to Cross Hill South Carolina shortly thereafter. Their son Brian Richard Baird was born in nearby Greenwood, South Carolina on November 12, 1975. Dick died July 19, 2013, in Greenwood. Melanie and Brian returned to Newton, Kansas in 1986.
Melanie worked for One Call Concepts in Wichita, retiring after more than 20 years of service. She was much loved by her co-workers who enjoyed her infectious laughter and sense of humor. Melanie was an avid reader all her life; She always had a book by her side. Animals were a large part of Melanie’s life, and she always had a dog or cat as a pet.
Melanie was a long-time member of Immanuel Baptist Church of Newton and was a Sunday School class teacher and past treasurer of the church. Melanie was a participating teacher in Newton’s weekday Bible school program for several years and many young children heard their first Bible stories from her.
Melanie was preceded in death by her parents, and an infant brother, James Woodbridge Thompson. Her son Brian (Briana Barkley) and grandson, Caselon John Baird, of Newton survive. Melanie is also survived by a sister, Terrill Lynne Thompson Morton (Roger) and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service is Friday, May 27, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1515 N. Anderson Rd. Newton, Kansas
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts be made to Immanuel Baptist Church or Good Shepherd Hospice in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
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