Gladstone, MI
Christopher A. Laird, age 71, of Gladstone passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, June 29, 2025 at his home.
Chris was born on May 23, 1954 in Fort Dodge, Iowa the son of Dean and Edith (Jeys) Keele. Chris enlisted into the United States Air Force in 1972. He dedicated his life to the service and was a proud Airman. He served in the Vietnam and Desert Storm War. He retired with 20 years of service.
He was united in marriage to Denise Laird on October 24, 1975
A dedicated Son, Brother, Father, Uncle and Papa. Chris enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren any chance he could. He also liked mowing the lawn, playing computer games, watching movies and playing cards.
He is survived by:
6 Children: Christy (Carl) Servant of Brampton, MI
Cory Laird of Brampton, MI
Bobby (Troy) Bizeau of Gladstone, MI
Denny (Breanda) Laird of Iron River, MI
Kelly (Kelly Porath) Laird of Gladstone, MI
And Toby Laird of Gladstone, MI
21 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren.
5 Brothers and 1 sister: Bruce Keele, Kathy (Terry) Kennedy, Joel Keele, Ken (Linda) Keele, Loren (Julie) Keele and Tim (Jen) Keele
In addition to his Parents, Chris is preceded in death by: Son:Jeremy LaChapelle
Grandson: Dalton Servant
Brother: Robert Laird
Sister: Colleen Moen
And Denise Laird
Family will receive friends on Sunday, July 6, 2025 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military Honors will be presented at 3:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Laird family.
Faith keele - Monroe, Wi
I will miss him very much he made me welcome to family he treated me like a big brother I remember at Dean’s funeral I had told him i never had a big brother just a younger one he told well now you have me as a big brother he gave me the biggest hug I also remember at Christmas at grandma’s him and his brothers would argue over alot between military and politics and sometimes gramma would get it started she was a stinker I love you all and I will look up at the ski on the 4th and wave at chris and blow him a kiss and say my good byes with a tear or to hugs hugs hope to see you some time
Peter Brock - Rapid River and Zephyrhills , MI
Christy and family,
My condolences to you and your family on the passing of your dad. It’s always hard to lose a parent. My dad passed away 32 years ago. I think of him often but I know that he’s in a better place. I have added your family to my prayer list.
Virginia Jeys Pulver - Greenwood , SC
My cousin Chris Laird and his family brought the fun to the annual Jeys Family Reunions! I can’t imagine that annual campout without Aunt Eda Lou’s rowdy pack. Chris was front and center in the storytelling, pranks. and singing around the fire. He is a part of my happy family memories.
Stacy - Monroe, Wi
I’m holding my cousins and 2nd cousins close in my heart. As a kid, I always loved when Uncle Chris and family came to visit. He was always surrounded by all kinds of kids in addition to his own. Later, when I was grown, Uncle Chris still always made time for visits with extended family when he came down to Wisconsin to see his Mom, and imparted little nuggets of wisdom in the most unassuming manner.
Phyllis A Tumey - Castle Rock, CO
July 9, 2025
With sympathy in the loss of your Dad comes from the Jack Jeys family. No time on earth is long enough to share with those we love. Nothing can prepare our hearts to say good-bye, May the sympathy of those who care about you and the precious memory of your Dad help comfort you at this time. Will be missing having him at the Jeys’ reunion. Cousin Phyllis Jeys Tumey
ptumey43@gmail.com
Ted & Sandie McKee - Negaunee, MI
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chris’s family. Those that knew him will miss him. I worked with Chris both at KI Sawyer AFB and at March AFB in California. I was surprised when he was assigned to my team for me at March AFB in the KC-135 Branch. He was a great man to work with and he knew what to do when needed to. My wife and I also worked with his wife Denise at Family Services there at March. I was hoping a that I would see him again to see how he was doing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. God Bless, Ted & Sandie McKee