Doyle Baird

Doyle Baird, 83, passed away September 2, 2021 surrounded by his family and friends. He was born April 18, 1938 in Elk Valley, Tennessee to the late Jennings and Evelyn Baird.  Doyle lived his younger life in Akron and resided in Portage Lakes for over 52 years.

Doyle was legendary in the Akron area for his professional boxing career and was inducted into the Summit County Boxing Hall of Fame in 2000.  He fought for three world titles, his most memorable bout at the Akron Rubber Bowl in October of 1968 when he fought Middle Weight Champion Nino Benvenuti for a non-title bout. As the story goes, Doyle won the fight, however the fight was declared a draw.  Doyle’s love and passion for the sport of boxing led him to a training career of over 40 plus years where he trained several professional boxers including heavy weight champion Michael Dokes. Doyle also trained countless numbers of amateur fighters in the Akron area.  He not only taught them the grit and determination it takes to be a boxer, he mentored them and taught them how to be honorable young men and to fight when life gets tough, how to overcome obstacles by believing in themselves.  His motto was always finish what you start and to get up if you get knocked down.  Life is a journey, it’s what you make of it, only you determine your destiny.

Doyle retired from the Akron Beacon Journal after 30 years of service being a Teamster truck driver and union steward. He had a heart of gold always humble and kind, loved life, always laughing, joking, or telling a story. Doyle was always eager to go above and beyond to help someone in need.

Doyle was a member of Teamsters Local 473, Deuces Wild; Turkeyfoot Sportsman Club and Adoniram Joppa. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren play sports, never missing the opportunity to cheer on and support his family.  He enjoyed weekends watching The Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns.  He loved riding his Harley with his boys and playing poker.

Besides his parents, Doyle was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Janet and sister, Velda Lou Armstrong.  He is survived by his daughter, Andrea (Jeff) Stem; sons, Doyle (Jenna); Derek (Jessica) and Daryl (Amy) and Billy (Patty) Baird; grandchildren, Chloe, Isabella, Kassie, Danica, Lauren, Gavin and Nathan; great grandson, Mavrick; sister, Peggy Snyder; sister-in-law, Sandra Gray; nephew, Jon Gray; as well as many other loving family and friends.

Doyle’s constant presence, sound advice and unwavering love will always be remembered and cherished for a lifetime.  He will be deeply missed by his family and so many wonderful friends. 

Funeral service will be held at 10 A.M. on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at Schermesser Funeral Home, 600 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron, Ohio 44319 with Pastor Bobby Dugger officiating.  Family and friends may call on Wednesday from 1 to 3 P.M. and 5 to 8 P.M. at the funeral home.  Entombment will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Doyle’s name to Alzheimer’s Association, Greater East Ohio Area Chapter, 408 9th Street SW,  STE  3400, Canton, Ohio 44707.  To leave a special message online for the family, visit our website at www.schermesserfh.com.

SCHERMESSER
(330) 899-9107
www.schermesserfh.com

Memorial Contributions:

Alzheimer’s Association
Greater East Ohio Area Chapter
408 9th Street SW,   STE 3400
Canton, Ohio 44707

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