Casus Claud Baird
Casus Claud Baird
A Celebration of Life for Casus Claud Baird, 73, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 11, 2021 at First Christian Church, under direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Baird passed away at 10:34 a.m., Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Springfield, Missouri.
He was a man who answered to a lot of names. Most people — students, teachers, parents — knew him as Mr. Baird. His church family and his close friends knew him as Casus. If you grew up with him in the small town of Hardy, Arkansas, or were one of his five brothers and sisters, he went by Sonny, a name that phonetically matched his disposition. In the hours after his passing, the phone rang with offers of condolences. And multiple callers gave him another name, Best Friend. Three people were lucky enough to call him Dad. You’d think a little three-letter word would stay simple and consistent. But, depending on their ages, whether they were pleading to stay out past curfew, or straining to run downstairs on Christmas morning, it could sound so different and take on a whole world of meaning. And, one, got to call him husband. Her name is Helen, but most times, across almost 53 years he could be heard calling her Hon. Theirs was not a Hollywood love. In those movies the lights come up as soon as the first kiss is delivered. Nor was it the kind that makes a novel sizzle, filled with jealousy and betrayals. It was quiet. It was deep. It was real. It’s the kind of love that was summed up in an offhand comment he made during the recent Thanksgiving holiday, “We’ve been together all these years, we know what works, and we’re still having fun together.” Everyone should be so lucky. He had another love, and for that love he received three more names — first teacher, then principal, then superintendent. That love was Howell Valley School. (A few students sent to his office because of a tussle on the playground or after back-talking a teacher, might have had other names for him, but as this is a small-town paper, we’ll omit those from the public record.) Knowing that the world doesn’t sleep and competition is always increasing, he worked constantly to raise the standard of education. By the early 1980s, at a time when less than 2% of the country owned a computer, Howell Valley had its first PCs. Later, in 10 of his last 11 years as superintendent, the school was “Accredited with Distinction,” one of the highest honors a school district can receive. Great accomplishments are the result of even greater commitment. Over the years he mopped and waxed the floors; tended to skinned knees and bee stings; cut the grass; moved furniture and fixtures; swung a hammer; cooked; played catch; shot a basketball; prayed earnestly for his community; and thought often of those students who were beyond his help. His footprints mark the hallways. The students he touched reach around the world.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years Helen Baird of West Plains, Missouri; two sons, John Baird and wife, Melissa, Seattle, Washington, Daniel Baird and wife, Megan, Honolulu, Hawaii; one daughter Sarah Coats and husband, Andy, Lee’s Summit, Missouri; two granddaughters Katie and Emma Coats; one brother, Lee Baird, and wife, Debbie of Williford, Arkansas; four sisters, Anna Jane Quinn of Olympia, Washington; Deanna Kern and husband, Tom, of York, Pennsylvania; Marvine Kudis and husband, Gary, of Rockville, Maryland; Susie Buchanan and husband, Vincent, of Livingston, Texas; brothers-in-law, Johnny Leyland and wife, Kay, of Herman, Missouri, Danny Leyland and wife, Phyllis, of Sparta, Missouri and Davy Leyland and wife, Cindy, of Gladstone, Missouri; a special Uncle, Thomas Baird of Searcy, Arkansas, and several cousins, and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Marvin Casus Baird who died when Casus was 11, and mother Jessie Marie Baird.
He always had a smile. A big laugh. And an even bigger heart.
Oh, and I almost forgot. Two called him Gampy. One more, who’ll be arriving in about four months, his firstborn grandson. It’ll be a few years before he can pronounce his unique first name. We’ve decided to call him Casus.
Mr. Baird will lie in state from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, in the Rose Chapel. Burial will be at Howell Valley Cemetery. Family, friends, community members, and the Howell Valley community including alumni, teachers, and students are invited to a reception/celebration of life from 4-6 p.m. at Howell Valley School in the new Howell Valley Gymnasium. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be sent to: Community Foundation of the Ozarks, c/o Howell Valley School Foundation, 1378 Bill Virdon Blvd., West Plains, MO 65775, with checks made payable to Casus Baird Memorial Fund. Memorial contributions may also be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
David Black
December 6, 2021 @ 12:45 pm
A family has lost a noble patriarch.
Hundreds of students and teachers over decades have lost a great mentor.
Education has lost one of its most outstanding leaders.
A community has lost a humanitarian and compassionate man.
And, I have lost a cherished friend.
david black
Larry and Bertie Judd
December 6, 2021 @ 1:59 pm
Helen, we are so sorry for your loss of Casus. We thought a lot of him and will miss him in our Church family. We will be thinking of you and the family during these sad times ahead.
Bertie & Larry Judd
Mary Evans
December 7, 2021 @ 2:29 pm
Helen so sorry for your loss. My children sure did like him.
Lana Irby
December 8, 2021 @ 8:35 pm
Helen. I was so sorry to hear the news about Casus passing away. I pray for much comfort and peace for you and your family in the many difficult days ahead. My deepest sympathy for all of you. Lana (Fletcher) Irby
David and Carrie Thompson
December 6, 2021 @ 2:16 pm
We love you, Helen and have been praying for you and your family for days. You know we are ready and willing to do whatever you need.
Hassel and Alice Vandergriff
December 6, 2021 @ 8:03 pm
Helen and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man who did so much to help so many people. God bless and comfort you.
Dale & Kay Johnson
December 7, 2021 @ 12:20 pm
Helen and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. He was a friend to everyone who knew him.
Our loss is heaven gain.
Dale and Kay Johnson
Rose Sloan
December 7, 2021 @ 1:02 pm
Helen and family I’m sorry to hear about your loss. I remember when I was just a student at Howell valley and he was my principal and science teacher. God bless you and your family.
The Cobban family
December 7, 2021 @ 3:58 pm
Our hearts are with you, Helen, John, Sarah, and Daniel (plus spouses and grandkids) We have such an appreciation for Casus. He was a wonderful leader, an encourager, and so kind.
Cindy Lee Moore
December 7, 2021 @ 4:39 pm
Stunned by the news of Casus’ passing. Though briefly your neighbor, you, Casus and children were wonderful to have as friends.
Deanna (Baird) & Thomas Kern
December 8, 2021 @ 8:29 am
Helen John, Sarah, Dan, spouses & families; there are no words for the loss of Casus. A brother I will always cherish & love. May God comfort you & prayers always. Love you all.
Connie Eagleman
December 8, 2021 @ 12:14 pm
Helen and family,
So sorry for your loss! I loved the Siberian Husky we got from you years ago! I wish you comfort at this time!
Connie Eagleman (Hensley)
Lucille Quinn Williams
December 8, 2021 @ 11:20 pm
I feel the need to add to the words of appreciation of this man who stepped up to help a young, single mother wrangle a lively young son from K thru eighth grade. Even tho Jesse got the seat of his pants warmed a time or two, he always loved Mr. Baird and will always remember him with affection. My sympathy to you all. He will be greatly missed.
Darrin O Reed
December 8, 2021 @ 1:03 pm
Such a wonderful man. Words can’t express my sorrow for Helen and the kids. He will be missed but never forgotten. Thank you for all you have done.
David Malone
December 8, 2021 @ 3:36 pm
I had the honor and pleasure of being a classmate in our senior year. I will always remember his kindness. Rest in peace my friend.
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
December 8, 2021 @ 5:03 pm
Helen and Baird Families,
We are thinking and praying for all of you daily. Casus was a wonderful person to be around always smiling, friendly, and personable. He will be missed. Daily may God continue to comfort, encourage, and strengthen each of you during this time. May God bless all of you. Again, our Deepest Sympathy.
In Christian Love,
Norris/Ivene Cozort
Tim, Amber(Cozort), and Corby Redburn
Linda (Baker) Slayton
December 8, 2021 @ 7:47 pm
Sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Steve Bryant
December 9, 2021 @ 5:21 pm
Helen and kids,
Casus and your family meant so much to the Bryant family and my words are not able to express just how much! You and the family are certainly in our thoughts and prayers. Casus was not only the boys principal, but he was definitely a mentor for me as we worked on our graduate degrees. He was one that gave me guidance and was instrumental in my career in education. He exemplified what a man of character should be and one I am proud to call my friend.
We wish for you and the kids God’s peace and comfort in this trying time!
Steve Bryant and family
Dianna Weaver
December 9, 2021 @ 11:56 pm
I met Mr. Baird many years ago when he was a young Superintendent at Howell Valley School. He was great to work with and his commitment to the kids at Howell Valley was evident in his conversation and actions. Condolences to his family. RIP Mr. Baird.
Mike and Diana Pace
December 10, 2021 @ 9:40 am
We are so sorry to hear of Casus passing. Our deepest condolences. We are keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Wes Falwell
December 10, 2021 @ 11:43 am
Helen and family, I’m so sorry to hear about Casas,he was a good man and I’m glad I had the privilege of working for him at Howell Valley School. I pray that God will comfort the hearts of you and your family.