Charles "Howie" H. Baird , 94, of Rock Island, IL, passed away Saturday December 25, 2021 at Hope Creek Care Center, East Moline, IL.

In accordance with his wishes, no services are planned. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island, is assisting with arrangements.

Charles Howard Baird was born August 4, 1927 in Rock Island, a son of Charles and Elsie Hough Baird. He married Beverly Jean Peterson on February 24, 1951 in Rock Island. She preceded him in death on May 13, 2013.

Howie graduated from Rock Island High School. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of World War II. Following his military service, Howie worked at the Rock Island Argus/ Moline Dispatch from 1952 until his retirement in 2003.

In earlier years, he attended Memorial Christian Church. Howie was an avid Rock Island High School basketball fan.

Surviving are his son, Randall Baird, of Rock Island; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Dewayne Perkins and Nina Looney.

Howie was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly; parents, Charles and Elsie; siblings, Allen Baird, James Baird, Sylvia Baird and Helen Mathies.