Donald Mack Laird

Donald Laird ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Parker-Millard Funeral Service and Crematory - Columbia on Mar. 13, 2026.Donald Mack Laird, 79, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away on March 12 at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital.Don was born on January 24, 1947, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to Wilson and Reba Laird. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from the University of North Dakota and a Master of Geography from the University of Missouri. He was a devoted member of the Sigma Nu fraternity (Epsilon Kappa chapter) at UND.Don proudly served in the United States Army from 1969 to 2005. During his service, he was stationed at Phu Bai Combat Base during the Vietnam War where he was a Transportation officer, at Fort Irwin National Training Center during the Gulf War, and commander of the 5503rd Army Hospital and the 7227th Medical Support Unit, both in Columbia. He achieved the rank of Colonel and received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in Vietnam. His time in the military remained a source of great pride throughout his life, culminating in an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2025.After completing military service, and after a short time working at 3M and owning a DIY hardware store, Don embarked on a thirty-three-year career in chamber of commerce leadership. He served as head of chambers in Vermillion, South Dakota; Garden City, Kansas; and eventually Columbia, Missouri, where he served as president for twenty-four years. He and the Columbia Chamber were named the 2010 "Chamber of the Year" by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce. Don served on the board of the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau and on the Advisory Board of First Mid-West Bank. His deep love for Columbia and his commitment to the community were evident to anyone who spoke with him.Don was known for his dry sense of humor, honesty, dignity, and loyal commitment to friends, family, and coworkers. He had a passion for maps, Civil War history and the Mizzou Tigers. Don enjoyed traveling, walking his beloved Westie, Haggis, attending a marathon slate of films during the True/False Film Festival, and floating Missouri's many rivers with family and friends. Don's devotion to his sons and grandchildren was one of the great joys of his life. He treasured every opportunity to guide them and show them what it means to live with kindness and integrity.Don is survived by his loving wife, Jo Lynn "Joey" Laird, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage; his children, Campbell and Grayson Laird; his grandchildren, Ensa, Isabella, Wilson, Mack, and Jones; his siblings, Douglas (Shari) Laird and Dorothy (Brian) McClure; and his sister-in-law, Cecilia Penaherrera Laird.He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson and Reba Laird; his brother, David Laird; and his beloved rescue dog, Bob.A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 21, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Calvary Episcopal Church, Columbia, MO with a memorial service beginning at 4:00 p.m. A burial with military honors will follow at Columbia Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Missouri Humane Society.Don will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who knew him.Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 E. Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences can be shared with the family at www.parkermillard.com.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.