Russ Lee Laird, age 72, of Bardwell, passed away on October 30, 2025, at Baptist Health Paducah. Russ was born on August 21, 1953, in Oak Lawn, Illinois, to the late Elmer and Hazel Laird.
Russ was a devoted family man and a man of many trades—there wasn’t much he couldn’t do. He wore many hats during his 72 years earthside, but his favorite roles were husband, father, and “Papa.” He enjoyed spending time with family, riding motorcycles, fishing, and the company of his beloved cat, Tigg.
Russ is survived by his wife of 47 years, Donna Laird; his children, Jason (Michelle) Laird of Sheridan, Wyoming, and Caitlin (Ben) O’Connor of Cunningham, Kentucky; seven grandchildren, Israel Laird, Sydney Laird, Ethan Walker, Hannah Walker, all of Sheridan, and Chase Murphy, Abbie Laird, and Aiyden Lynn of Cunningham. He is also survived by three brothers, Chuck Laird and Jim Laird of Arizona, and Milton Laird of Tennessee; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Hazel Laird, and three brothers.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell with Jonathan Lemons and Bro. Jim Boaz officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Bardwell, Kentucky.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the service time of 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Heart Savers, PO Box 78, Bardwell, KY 42023.
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