Samuel Percival Baird, 72, of Lincoln, Nebraska, died February 1, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Superior, Nebraska on October 14, 1944 to Minor and Eloise Baird.
Sam attended Superior High School and graduated in 1962. He attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and received his business degree in 1966. He was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Sam continued his education and earned a law degree from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.
Upon graduation, Sam married Joyce Stewart on June 12, 1966. They went on to have three children, Todd, Scott and Libby. He practiced law in Lincoln and then Sam and Joyce returned to Sam’s hometown of Superior to be the President and CEO of the Farmers State Bank & Trust Company.
Sam’s lengthy banking career allowed him to have many wonderful experiences. He was the President of the Nebraska Banker’s Association, a Director of the Kansas City Federal Reserve, and also served on the Executive Committee of the Government Relations Council for the American Bankers Association.
Upon retiring from the bank in Superior, Sam was appointed the Director of Banking for the State of Nebraska. He also enjoyed serving on the boards of Central National Bank and The Bank of Doniphan.
In addition to his banking career, Sam enjoyed giving back to his community. He served on many boards including the Board of the First Presbyterian Church in Superior, the Board of the Broadstone Memorial Hospital in Superior as well as the Board of Directors of the BryanLGH Hospital Foundation in Lincoln. Sam was a member of the University of Nebraska Foundation Finance Committee. He also served on the Board of Directors of The Country Club of Lincoln and was a member of First Plymouth Congregational Church in Lincoln.
Sam enjoyed life and especially loved traveling, playing golf with family and friends, coaching his kid’s little league basketball teams, reading, watching Nebraska football and attending his kids’ and grandkids’ activities.
Sam is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joyce Baird, son & daughter-in-law Todd and Dorota Baird of Dallas, Texas, son & daughter-in-law Scott and Leirion Gaylor Baird of Lincoln, daughter and son-in-law Libby and Todd Nicholson of Dallas, Texas. Nine Grandchildren: Emily Baird, Isabella Baird, Lucianna Baird, Ava Baird, S. Turner Baird, Clio Baird, Peyton Nicholson, Zach Nicholson and Tanner Nicholson. Sam is preceded in death by his parents, Minor and Eloise Baird.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday (2-6-17) at First Plymouth Congregational Church, with Rev. Dr. Jim Keck officiating. Prior family burial at Lincoln Memorial Park. No visitation.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: The Sam Baird Memorial Scholarship Fund for the UNL College of Business University of Nebraska Foundation 1010 Lincoln Mall, Suite 300, Lincoln, NE 68508 or nufoundation.org.