Anthony W. Laird ‘Tony’, 73 of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, March 16, 2025 surrounded by family at his residence.
He was born September 9, 1951 in Shelbyville to Robert H. Laird and Christine (Coers) Laird.
Tony graduated from Waldron High School with the class of 1969. He went on to further his education at Indiana State University. Tony was baptized at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church at a young age. When he was younger, he enjoyed racing four-wheelers and that helped form his passion for riding motorcycles through his adult life. Tony was an avid animal lover and had a love for sports, especially golfing and playing softball. He always enjoyed life to the fullest and was known to many as “Good Time Tony”. Some of his favorite times were spent traveling with his wife and the many family vacations through the years.
Tony sat on the board for Rush Memorial Hospital. He was a member of the Manilla Volunteer Fire Department and served as the secretary for many years. Tony was a member of the Manilla Lions Club, Elks Lodge of Rushville #1307, Brickyard Chapter of Spyder Ryders, and the Rush County Community Foundation. He worked for Farm Bureau for 50 years total, holding positions at the co-op, as an insurance sales agent, then solely crop insurance the last seven years.
He married Kerri J. (Wickline) Laird on August 21, 1982 and she survives.
Tony is also survived by his son, Aaron Gobel (wife, Teresa), his daughter, Tara Griffith; his grandchildren, Kyra Springman, Parker Springman, Logan Vogler, Micah Price (husband, Adam), Abby Gobel, and Alexandra Gobel; his great-granddaughter, Clara Price, his brother, Roger Laird, his sister, Susan Kuhn (husband, Rex), and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Briana Springman, and his son-in-law, Jay Griffith.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, 3718 East Blue Ridge Road, Shelbyville, IN.
Funeral services will be on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the church with Dr. Robb Barlow officiating.
Burial will be in Manilla Cemetery.
Funeral Directors, Greg Parks, Sheila Parks, and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Tony’s family.
Memorial contributions honoring Tony may be made to the Manilla Volunteer Fire Department, 9234 State Road IN-44, Manilla, IN 46150.
Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
