John Franklyn Laird, Jr.

ohn Franklyn Laird, Jr., the son of John Franklin and Martha Elizabeth (Landis) Laird, was born on January 25, 1932, in Cleveland, OH. He was raised and received his early education there, graduating from high school. After high school, John entered into the U.S. Military on September 15, 1955, serving 5 years in the United State Air Force. Upon his honorable discharge he then transitioned to serving his country in the United States Navy beginning in 1960. In addition, he served in the Vietnam War. For his time serving, he received the Combat Action Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. He was honorably discharged on June 8, 1976.

     On May 25, 1963, John married Linda West in Marietta, OH. While in the military, John and his family lived in several places all over the world, including Scotland. Following his discharge, John moved to Ashtabula, Ohio where he worked various jobs in his retirement. In his free time, he enjoyed painting, working on vehicles and he loved to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family was most important to him. In addition, he was involved in the Masonic Lakeshore Lodge #307 in Madison, OH where he achieved the rank of 32^nd Degree Master Mason. He also obtained York Rite and Scottish Rite Degrees.  In 2015 John moved to be closer to his children. While in Spencer, he was involved with the Abu Bekr Shrine in Sioux City, IA.

     On February, 28, 2018, John passed away at Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls, at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his parents; his granddaughter, Shania; 2 sisters: Bessie Davis and Betty Jane Collins; 5 brothers: William Laird, Lewis Laird, Charles Laird, James Laird and Osker Laird, and his nephew, Greg Laird.

     Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Linda of Spencer, IA; 2 sons: John (Lori) of Spirit Lake, IA and Brian (Sharon) of Sharpsville, PA; 2 daughters: Jennifer Laird (Del Lord) of South China, ME and Amy Laird of Spencer, IA; 13 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; his brother, Robert Laird of Ohio; 2 sisters: Marlene Miller of Virginia and Nora Thompson of Geneva on the Lake, OH; other relatives and friends.

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