Calvin Laird
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Calvin Russell Laird Sr. was born to Frank and Vela Laird in The Harmony Community in Runnels County on January 16, 1936. Calvin was 85 years old when he passed peacefully to his heavenly home on September 22, 2021. He is now reunited with the 1st true love of his life, Bessie Jean Hancock Laird.
Calvin was raised in Winters, Texas where he enjoyed playing football for the Winters Blizzards. He and Bessie Hancock met after a football game and soon married on October 24, 1953. Calvin and Bessie lived life to the fullest during their 44 years of marriage. Calvin joined the Army in 1955, he served 2 years active duty and 6 years in the Reserves. He and Bessie had 3 beautiful children while living in Lawn, Texas. They moved to Hamlin, Texas in 1967, where the real fun began. Calvin worked hard in the oil field for most of his life. He started a very successful oil business, HamTex Well Service, in 1973. He made many lifelong friends during his oilfield days. The success of his company paved the way for his retirement in 1988. He moved back to Ovalo to start his 2nd full time job of Farming and Ranching. Several years after the death of Bessie, Calvin married Annie Collins of Hamlin, Texas in 2001. They enjoyed many years of dancing until she passed in 2013.
Calvin was preceded in death by his mother Vela Laird and father Frank Laird, his wife Bessie Hancock Laird, 3 brothers and 1 sister, and several beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Calvin is survived by his daughter Elaine Coleman and husband Jerry, daughter Teresia Turner and husband Wayne, and son Russell Laird Jr. 10 grandchildren, Racheal Malo, Rebecca Brown, Rusty Turner, Reene Bontke, and Trey, Amber, Raven, Shanna, Kevin, and Calvin Laird. He has left behind 13 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 26, 2021 at Winters Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 27, 2021 at Winters Funeral Home with Rev. Ferris Akin officiating. Burial will follow at McBee Cemetery in Ovalo.
Pallbearers are Rusty Turner, Tuff Turner, Kevin Laird, Andrew Malo, John Hancock, Steve McCoy, and Michael Bontke. Honorary pallbearers are Bronc Hawkins, Earl Copeland, Gary Lovett, Ray Baggett, Waylon Collins, Jim Mayfield, and Mike Mayfield.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial be made to Hendrick Hospice Care.