Richard Laird

Richard Laird, of Webster City, Iowa died on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. A visitation will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Boman Funeral Home (www.bomanfh.com) in Webster City. A funeral service will take place at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Lehigh Christian Church in Lehigh, Iowa, with burial to follow at West Lawn Cemetery, in Lehigh. The family will designate memorials to John Navis, Missionary to Sao Luis, Brazil and for a memorial picnic shelter at Briggs Woods.

 Richard was born on September 14, 1936, to Wesley and Mary (Slawson) Laird, in Lehigh, Iowa. After completing high school, Richard attended the University of Minnesota and Minnesota Bible College, where he earned a Bachelor of Sacred Literature. During his college years, he began his ministry by preaching in Ronneby, Minnesota. Richard married Cora Marie Traupe on October 12, 1962, in Holbrook, Nebraska. After her passing, he married Fae Fraser Anderson on October 14, 2006, in Webster City, Iowa.

 Richard dedicated his life to ministry, preaching for 18 years at Eastside Church of Christ in Laurens, Iowa, followed by 36 years at Lehigh Christian Church in Lehigh, Iowa, and New Testament Church of Christ in Webster City. In addition to his preaching, Richard held various jobs throughout his life, including working at Cargill, in construction, Brooks Laundry, Globe Union, and the hospital in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He also worked as a busboy during his college years.

 Richard was a member of Club Fitness in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and enjoyed working out. He found joy in camping along the North Shore of Lake Superior, gardening, and raising ornamental breeds of chickens in his backyard. A creative writer, Richard authored numerous three-act plays for Easter and Christmas celebrations.

 Richard’s family includes his wife Fae Laird of Webster City, IA; son John (Sue) Laird of Webster City, Iowa; grandchildren Joshua (Alexandra) Laird, of Coralville, Iowa and Andrew Laird, of Burlington, Kansas; great-grandchildren: Matthew Laird, and Madalynn Laird; step-children: Chad Anderson, of Des Moines, Iowa, Christine (Dave) Moulds, of Papillion, Nebraska, and Cheryl Anderson, of Webster City, Iowa; step-grandchildren: Nathan (Sarah) Moulds, of Cincinnati, Ohio and Nicole Moulds, of Papillion, Nebraska; step-great-grandchild Pippa Moulds; sisters Jane Miller of Somonauk, IL, Jolene Milligan of Sandwich, IL, brothers Gerald (Patricia) Laird of Des Moines and Ronald (Jane) Laird of Aurora, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Cora; daughters Helen Marie and Caroline; and brother Larry.