Adventurous was a resounding word when friends of Charlie Baird were asked what they will remember about him. Friends and family of Baird were finally able to gather in full Friday night for a celebration of his life.
Baird, 19, of New Lenox, was fatally shot May 11, 2020, while stopping for gas in New Lenox while on his way home.
His mother, Jennifer Baird, said at the time of Charlie’s death, COVID-19 restrictions were at their height, and only a few people were allowed to attend the original service. She has been planning to do a full memorial celebration to honor Charlie, which came to fruition Friday at Kurtz Memorial Chapel in New Lenox.
“It was great to see so many people,” Baird said. “People we didn’t even know who had been seeing updates on Charlie’s memorial on Facebook pages.”
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Dozens of Charlie’s friends had plenty of memories to share.
Daniel Mayer, of New Lenox, said he had known Charlie, who he calls Chuck, for five years.
“He was always looking for the next thing to do,” Mayer said. “Just going to Pilcher Park and exploring through there, finding random things. I never found a more sincere, truehearted person. He has made a huge impact on our lives.”
Vincent Vancura, of New Lenox, echoed Mayer’s thoughts.
“Chuck was just so adventurous,” Vancura said. “His goofy laughs and willingness to have fun, that is what is dearly missed. And it’s good to see everyone come together today to show support and love.”
Caden O’Connor, also of New Lenox, said he could always talk to Charlie about anything.
“He was one of those people who, no matter what time it was, you could call and say we’re going out and he’d say he’d be there in five minutes. There was never a dull moment and always an adventure.”
Jimmy Liapis, of New Lenox, said he will remember the many fun times they had.
“We would do anything,” Liapis said. “Hang out in his garage, his basement, go rent boats at the pond and fish, go to the skate park, walk the trails. He was always doing some goofy stuff. That’s what will stay with me the most.”
Baird had stopped for gas and a beverage at the Circle K gas station at 471 N. Nelson Rd. in New Lenox on May 11, 2020, shortly after midnight. It was the first homicide in New Lenox in nearly 20 years, said Mayor Tim Baldermann.
A now 18-year-old Harvey resident was charged with first-degree murder, and remains in the Will County Jail. Charlie’s mother said the Harvey resident was transferred from River Valley Juvenile Detention Center in Joliet once he turned 18. The case is still pending. Police said the apparent motivation for the attack was his desire to steal the 2012 Subaru that Charlie was driving.
“It’s still going on in court, and it still opens up wounds every time,” Baird said.
Baird has maintained a memorial outside the Circle K station since 2020, which she said has only grown over time.
Hannah Kohut is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.