Dale Laird

Dale Elmer Laird, 83, of Topeka, passed away Oct. 26, 2009. He was born to Elmer Laird and Hazel Eshom Laird on Nov. 3, 1925 in Meriden, KS. He grew up in Valley Falls and Topeka entering the Navy in 1943. He served in the South Pacific and was at the atomic bomb test at Bikini Atoll in 1946. He retired from Warner Robins AFB in 1974. Dale married Gary Gertz in 1948, she died in 1984. They had no children. He married Hazel Foster in 1984, she died in 1993. She had five children. He married Mallie Kelley in Feb. 1997, she survives and has 3 children. Also surviving are 23 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. The years of his life after retirement were his happiest. He loved bowling, gardening and needlework. He loved God who he found and received at the Salvation Army Citadel. He has been a member of Northland Christian Church and presently Grace United Methodist. Services will be held at 3:00 pm Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009 at Grace United Methodist Church, 2627 SW Western, Topeka, KS 66611. Visitation will be from 7:00 to 9:00 pm Wednesday, at the church. Interment in Hoyt Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist or Northland Christian 3102 NW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66617. Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price is in charge of arrangements.