Jason Baird

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Jason Todd Baird, a lifelong resident of the Neosho area, passed away on June 30, 2025, in Neosho, Missouri, at the age of 52. Born on March 20, 1973, in Joplin, Missouri, to Rickey Ray and Glenda (Pitman) Baird, Jason devoted his life to serving his community with integrity and dedication.

Jason graduated from Carthage High School in 1991 and began his career at Flex-O-Lator in Carthage. His passion for law enforcement led him to complete training at Missouri Southern State College Law Enforcement Academy in May 1994. He served as a Jasper County reserve deputy until 1996, when he joined the Neosho Police Department as a patrolman. 

Over the years, Jason earned the respect of his peers and community as he rose through the ranks—detective, sergeant, detective sergeant, detective lieutenant—and in 2022, he was named Chief of Police. He served with honor until his retirement on June 28, 2025.

Beyond his professional life, Jason was an avid outdoorsman. He found peace and joy in hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time in nature.

Jason is survived by his brother, Jeffrey (Donette) Baird; nieces and nephew, Jessica (Jordan) Baird-Stansberry, Joshua Baird and fiancée Laken Rawlins, and Jamie (Blake Vanderslice) Baird; and great-nieces, Riley Cochran, Jade Cochran, and Josie Vanderslice. He also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family who will deeply miss him.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church in Neosho, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jason’s honor to Shop With a Cop, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66, Neosho, MO 64850.

Jason’s legacy of service, loyalty, and love for the outdoors will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.