Wilmer E. Laird

Wilmer E. Laird went to be with his Lord and Savior with his family by his side on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at the age of 88. Wilmer Laird was a soft-spoken man. He always had a brilliant smile on his face, and an infectious laugh. He was usually humming or singing a tune, and enjoyed playing the harmonica at church and for friends and family. He was a friend to everyone. Family and friends were always top priority for Wilmer. Children and animals were especially fond of him, and he always had a grandchild or a pet on his lap. He loved taking walks on his farm. He was helpful and kind and was always ready and willing to jump in to offer help when and extra set of hands was needed. Wilmer loved picking up pretty stones wherever he and Carolyn went. They usually ended up in the flower garden or in his grandchildren's pockets. Wilmer had a few hobbies that brought him joy. He was a member of the Corry Coin Club, serving as President for many years. He was an avid coin collector and taught his children, grandchildren, and teenage employees what to look for. He also loved going to auctions and yard sales, collecting old bottles and insulators. He was an avid history buff. He was a walking history encyclopedia! He was a member of the RW Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania for over 56 years. He spent 32 years in the Reserves, with most of those serving as a Seabee, where he made many longtime friends. He loved the memory cafe in Erie and wanted to go every day, instead of just twice a month. He missed seeing his friends when he was no longer able to go due to COVID restrictions. Wilmer had a deep, life-long faith. He taught Sunday School at the New Ireland United Methodist Church. He was also a Sunday School teacher and Youth Leader at the C&MA Church in Union City. He and his wife, Carolyn, were entrepreneurs, owning Laird's Dairy Freeze in Elgin, for 19 years and Carolyn's Country Kitchen in Union City. He made the best coleslaw ever! For 21 years, he worked at General Electric in Erie, as a packer/shipper and held various other positions. Wilmer was preceded in death by his parents Velma Lanham Laird and Gerald Allan Laird. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Carolyn Weingard Laird. Siblings: Gerald Harry Laird and wife Shirley Laird, Lansing, Kansas; Thelma Laird Doutt and husband Ed, Bunnell, FL; Children: Skip Laird and wife Debi, Centerville, Jan Laird Mitchell and husband Jeffrey, Union City, Brian Laird and wife Angeles, San Diego, Ca; Shawnda Engle Caldwell and husband Daniel, Union City, Cheryl Engle Mosher and husband Don, Union City, Carol Engle Haskins and husband Shawn, Union City; grandchildren: Adrianne Laird Hunt and husband, Kevin, Devin Laird and wife, Megan, Alissa Laird Fuller and husband, Gavin, Megan Himrod Trace, Kurt Himrod and wife Laura, Josue Laird, Nahuel Laird, Steven Kilbane and wife, Elizabeth, Meranne Kilbane Schweitzer and husband James, Drew Kilbane and wife, Miranda, Leah Caldwell, Jorden Mosher, Laneya Mosher Matteson and husband, Eric, Mckenna Haskins, Kylee Haskins Gardner and husband, Nathanael, and Shad Haskins; Great grandchildren: Ryan Himrod, Luke Himrod, Mia Laird, Madison Laird, Jaxon Laird, Kale Fuller, Reed Fuller, Brayden Kilbane, Dawsyn Crum, Eastyn Kilband, Alex Schweitzer, Mason Schweitzer, Aiden Schweitzer, Talin Mosher, and Tucker Matteson. A very special thanks to Bob and Tan Brozell, Eleanor and Ralph Burger, and John Kilbane for always being there when needed. Family and friends will be received Saturday, February 6, from 1pm until 3pm at Union City C&MA Church. A private service will be held after the visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Union City C&MA Church or to the family, in care of Michael S. Pandolph Funeral Home, Union City. Due to COVID 19 restrictions, wearing of masks and social distancing are required. Online condolences may be sent to pandolphfh.com.

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