Mt. V. Jeweler
Civic Leader Art Laird Dies at 57

D. Arthur Laird, long-time Mt. Vernon businessman and civic leader, died at 6:45 this morning at Good Samaritan Hospital, after a lingering illness.

His death occurred 12 days after his 57th birthday.

Mr. Laird, who resided at 12 Northbrook, had owned and operated Laird Jewelers, at 1007 Broadway, for many years. He was also owner of Laird's Lads and Dads shop.

Art, as he was known by his many friends throughout southern Illinois, had been an active civic leader for more tehan a quarter of a century.

Although a busy man from the day he started in business here, he always found time to work tirelessly on projects good for the community.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Myers chapel. Dr. Clyde Funkhouser will officiate and burial will be in Memorial Gardens.

The body will lie in state at Myers chapel, where friends may call after 5:00 p.m. Saturday.

Mr. Laird, a lifetime resident of this county, was born January 10, 1914, the son of Alsa B. and Minnie (Lemmon) Laird.

He was married in 1938, in Mt. Vernon to Genevieve Hughey, who survives.

After attending Southern Illinois Normal University, at Carbondale, he established his jewelry store near the Mt. Vernon public square. From that day, until illness prevented, he was one of the King City's best known civic and business leaders.

For years Mr. Laird provided vital leadership in both professional and fraternal organizations here and in southern Illinois.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Shriners, Royal Order of Jesters, Elks, Moose, Amvets, Chamber of Commerce, and King City Retailers.

One of the activities Art loved best was helping cripped children as a member of the Jefferson County Shrine Club.

When he was president of the local Shriners, in 1952-53, he headed a delegation at Chrismastime to the Shriners Crippled Children's Hospital in St. Louis. All 107 members of the club bought gifts for the children and presented them to the youngsters in person. Art and his fellow chriners were proud of the fact that it marked the first time that such a club had visited the hospital in a body for what became a traditional Christmas trip.

That was only one of the many things Art, a warm and friendly man, did for people during his lifetime of community service.

A past exalted ruler of the local Elks Lodge, he was also past district deputy grand exalted ruler and past vice president of the Illinois Elks Association. Four years ago, in recognition of dedicated service, the Elks Lodge presented him with an honorary life membership.

He was also a past presdient of the Mt. Vernon Jaycees, a past president of the Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce, a past president of the King city Retailers and a past president of the Southern Illinois Retail Jewelers.

Before going into business here. Mr. Laird taught school in Jefferson county for seven years.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and was a member of the First United Methodist church.

Besides his wife, Mr. Laird is survived by one son, David Laird of Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.; three daughters, Mrs. Frances Moore of Mt. Vernon, Mrs. Sue Brickey of Fayetteville, ILL., and Mrs. Nancy Hall of Wayne City; his father, Alsa B. Laird of Ashley; and four grandchildren.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register-News
Date: Friday, January 22, 1974, page 1
Relationship: 3rd cousin, twice removed
Transcribed and submitted by: Sandy (Whalen) Bauer

Note from Sandy: his first name is given on his WW II draft card.