Joseph R. “Joe” Laird, 57, of Centre Hall, passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at home. Born on April 11, 1963 in Philipsburg, he was the son of Thomas B. and Edith M. (Knepp) Laird of Julian. On October 11, 2003, in Centre Hall, he married Donna L. McClenahan, who survives at home.
Joe graduated from Penns Valley High School in 1981 and went on to earn his Associates degree in Computer Technologies from South Hills Business School. He served in the US Army for 8 years, earning the rank of Specialist. He served two tours overseas and earned the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Army Lapel Button, Good Conduct Medal – 2, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Marksman Badge M-16 Rifle, Expert Badge Hand Grenade, Overseas Service Ribbon, Air Assault Badge, Driver Mechanic Badge, Humanitarian Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, and the Saudi Kuwait Libertarian Medal. After his honorable discharge in 1994, Joe worked as an auto body technician throughout the years, working for Professionals Auto Body and Advance Auto.
Joe was always finding jobs around his home and tinkering on things. He enjoyed auto body repair work, whether it was on a car, truck, or motorcycle, he did not care, he loved it all. He loved hitting the open road on the bike and was proud the day he bought his first Harley. He liked taking family vacations because family meant everything to him. Some would say he was a kind person; others may laugh and say he was a jokester with a rough exterior, but something everyone would agree with is he was generous. He would give the shirt off his back to someone that needed it more than he did, he would spoil his granddaughters, and do anything he was able to do to help someone.
Along with his parents and wife, Joe is survived by three sons, Eric Laird and his fiancé, Michelle, of Clearfield, Adam Fisher and his significant other, Misty, of Milesburg, and Joshua Laird of Centre Hall; one daughter, Leah Wilson and her husband, Brandon, of Centre Hall; and two granddaughters, Hailey Spicer-Boisvert and Josyli Rain Laird.
Also surviving are his brother, James Laird and his wife, Jennifer, of Boalsburg; his sister, Jean Ann Mata and her husband, Raymond, of Waxahachie, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.
All services will be private for Joe. A funeral service with Military Honors following will be held at the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc with Evelyn Wald officiating. He will be laid to rest at the Reformed and Lutheran Cemetery in Centre Hall.
Following CDC recommendations, social distancing is encouraged, and face coverings will be required at all services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc, PO Box 579, Centre Hall, PA 16828.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc 228 S. Pennsylvania Ave. #579 Centre Hall, PA 16828. An online guest book can be signed or condolences to the family available at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.