Paul R. Baird

July 26, 1920 – February 9, 2015

Paul R. Baird, age 94, died Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, Wis. He was born on July 26, 1920, the son of William Henry and Helen (Ramm) O'Donnell, in Indiana, Pa., the youngest of three children.

He grew up in Pennsville, Pa., where he was raised by his aunt and uncle, Robert and Ethel (O'Donnell) Baird. He graduated from Connellsville High School in 1937 and from the Pennsylvania State University in 1941.

While working in the business office at Penn State after graduation, he met his future wife, Mary Ellen Cunningham. Their courtship was interrupted in 1942 when Paul enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He began pilot cadet training in January of 1943 and received his pilot wings in December of that year. Paul gloried in the miracle of flight, something he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

Paul was assigned to the 95th Bomb Group, based in Horham, Great Britain, arriving there on June 6, 1944. He flew 29 combat missions over the European Theater of Operations as co-pilot in a B-17 Flying Fortress. He was decorated for his combat efforts and was very proud of his service to his country.

Upon completing his combat tour, he returned to the U.S., where he and Mary Ellen were married on March 27, 1945. Paul returned to Penn State and earned a Master's degree in Accounting. He and Mary Ellen settled in Gettysburg, and Paul began his teaching career as a professor in the Economics Department at Gettysburg College. Paul served as the faculty advisor for Phi Gamma Delta and Alpha Phi Omega fraternities. He taught at Gettysburg College until his retirement in 1985.

Together, Paul and Mary Ellen raised two daughters, Kathleen and Patricia. Paul was a member of the Gettysburg Presbyterian Church where he served as treasurer for many years. He volunteered his time to the Adams County Mental Health Association and Meals on Wheels. He was a member of the Elks Club, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Paul enjoyed fishing and playing golf after retiring. He spent the last few years of his life with his daughter Pat in Madison, Wis., where his daughter Kathy visited regularly. He loved all Penn State sports and spent every autumn Saturday watching Penn State football, despite often being surrounded by Badger fans.

In addition to his beloved wife Mary Ellen and their infant daughter, Mary Lou, Paul was preceded in death by his brother, Robert O'Donnell, and his sister, Jane (Marshall) Henry. He is survived by his daughters, Kathleen Baird (Roger Keefer) of Gettysburg; Patricia Bea (Michael) of Madison, Wis.; foster brother Robert V. Taylor of Uniontown, Pa.; and grandchildren, Andrew, Caleb, and Emily Bea.