(Red Oak, Iowa) – The man who has delighted travelers from near and far with his Christmas lights display for more than 50 years, died Sunday, Christmas Day, on his family’s farm. Jack Baird, of rural Red Oak, was 91. His obituary says “Jack loved everything about the joy and message of hope at Christmas time. When he started hanging lights on the farm to brighten the season for his own children, he had no idea of the joy he would bring to thousands of people as he grew the tradition to what it is today. For over five decades, he was always planning the next additions to enhance the display. His happiest moments each year were hearing from others that the lights made their Christmas more special.”

Funeral services for Jack Baird are set for 10:30-a.m. Saturday (Dec. 31st),  at the Center Ridge Presbyterian Church northwest, of Red Oak.  The Baird family said on their social media post today (Tuesday) that “The Christmas lights will be shining 5-10 pm nightly through this Sunday, New Year’s Night, as a loving tribute to the man who always held the spirit of Christmas in his heart.”