Travis Laird

Travis Herschel Laird, 81, passed away on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 at his home in Ocean Springs. Born June 5, 1924 in Carson, MS, Mr. Laird grew up in Gulfport where he graduated from Lyman High School in 1942. He served and was assigned worldwide in the U.S. Navy as an officer until he retired in 1970. He is a veteran of WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Following his retirement from the Navy he worked as a Director of Overhaul and Repair at Litton Industries Shipyard in Pascagoula until his retirement in 1992. Mr. Laird later was developer of Lake Laird in Gulfport where he farmed and raised cattle. He is preceded in death by his son Richard Laird; his parents Cecil Rex and Maude Baker Laird; his brothers Hugh, Cecil, James, and John Laird; and his sisters Linda Carson and Imogene Cockrell. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Carole A. Laird; his children Susan Jenkins of Virginia; Marjorie Givarz of Virginia; and David Laird and wife Linda of Colorado; and by his grandchildren Molly and Lindsay Jenkins, Benjamin, Scott, and Jared Givarz, Travis, Tristan, and Savannah Laird, and Ashley Rodman. Mr. Laird is also survived by his brothers Henry Sr. and Robert Laird and sisters Elizabeth Laird and Grace Ferris. Visitation will be on Monday May 22, 2006 from 11:00am until 1:00pm at St. John Episcopal Church, 705 Rayburn at Porter St. in Ocean Springs, followed by funeral services at 1:00pm. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Jackson County Animal Shelter, 4400 Audobon Drive, Gautier, MS, 39568; or to Make a Wish Foundation of America, P.O. Box 29119, Phoenix, AZ, 85038-9119. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.