Robert Edward Laird

Robert Edward Laird, 78, of Colmesneil, was born in Beaumont on July 13, 1946, to Daisy Lee Bares and John Erasmus Laird. On March 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters, he peacefully entered into the presence of Christ, his Savior.

He is survived by his wife of thirty-nine years, Marlene Laird; children, Jamie Steinhauser and her husband, Willie, of Flatonia, and Shelly Hoffman and her husband, Will, of Franklin, Tennessee; grandchildren, Ted Steinhauser and his wife, René; Alex Steinhauser; Louis Steinhauser; Oli Hoffman; and Lincoln Hoffman; great-grandchildren, Ben, Freddie, and Elizabeth; brother, Johnny Laird; and many friends and loved ones.

Robert grew up in Beaumont and graduated from Beaumont High before earning an associate’s degree in engineering from Lamar University. He was a proud United States Navy Veteran. After entering the service in August 1968, he was stationed first on the destroyer USS Boyd and then on the H.J. Thomas.  On both ships, Robert worked primarily in the engine room before transferring to the Naval Reserves in May 1970.

Following his time in the Navy, Robert returned to Beaumont and began his career working as a machinist at Texaco. After eight years with Texaco, Robert went to work for G.E., attending jet engine school in Schenectady, NY.

Realizing that traveling with G.E. kept him away from home and family more than he wanted, Robert returned to work in Port Arthur, this time for Gulf Oil. He spent 22 years there as a power generation supervisor before retiring in 2002.

Retirement gave Robert and Marlene, the love of his life, time to travel in their RV on new adventures. Together, they logged many miles traveling to see family and friends and touring other states. They were almost always accompanied by one or more of their dogs, who were truly a part of their family. Everywhere they went, Robert met people, many of whom became lifelong friends.

Robert was a Christian, a patriot, and an outdoorsman. He loved fishing, hunting, and growing fresh vegetables in his garden. He enjoyed helping friends and family, always ready to share his gift for understanding how machines worked. He especially loved passing that knowledge on to the next generation, patiently teaching and encouraging them to work on problems.

As Robert’s illness progressed, he began spending more time inside, but he was not idle. He transferred his passion for the outdoors to reading the Bible and deepening his love for the Lord. Robert shared his faith journey with family and friends, often reminding them that nothing was more important than having a relationship with Christ.

Robert’s wife, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren loved him dearly. He had a wonderful sense of humor and kept everyone laughing, even in the midst of his illness. He enjoyed going on walks with his family and holding hands along the way, often reminding them, “I love you, darlin’.” His affection and humor will be missed.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents and his sister-in-law, Doris Laird.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306, or given online.

A gathering of Mr. Laird’s family and friends will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Monday, March 10, 2025, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His graveside service will be at 10:45 a.m., Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston.