Dr. Kermit Denver Laird, 84, retired family physician, died at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2006. Dr. Laird was an avid hunter and fisherman and a loyal Mississippi State University sports enthusiast and supporter.  A farmer at heart, he was owner and operator of Kerlyndale Farms and a breeder of champion Black Angus cattle that were exhibited from Atlanta to San Francisco and north to Chicago. He was known as a caring, compassionate physician who made house calls in the early days of family medical practice. A graduate of Bassfield High School, Laird attended Mississippi State College where he was a member of Advanced ROTC and earned his bachelor's degree in agronomy in 1943. Laird's college work was disrupted in 1943 when he was sent to Camp Shelby in preparation for service in World War II.  After training as an infantry officer at Fort Benning, Ga., he served from 1943 to 1946 in northern France, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. A member of the 95th Infantry Division, the 377th Regiment, Company "E," 1st Lt. Laird distinguished himself as an infantry unit commander and received the Silver Star Medal, for "gallantry in action"; the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze stars; the Combat Infantryman's Badge; the Victory Medal, World War II; and the American Campaign Medal.  After serving in World War II, he finished course work for a master's degree in soils and completed prerequisite studies for admittance to medical school.  Laird graduated from Tulane University Medical School in 1951 with top honors but was not notified until the age of 75 that he had graduated first in his class.  Laird completed his internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. He established his career in Starkville in 1952 at the Eckford clinic with Dr. J.F. "Feddy" Eckford as his mentor. In 1978, the Laird Clinic opened in its current location. Dr. Laird was a family physician for 48 years, until his retirement in 2000 at the age of 77.   Dr. Laird was a member of a number of professional organizations, including the American Medical Association, the Mississippi State Medical Association, and the Prairie Medical Society.  He was a member and supporter of the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Starkville Exchange Club, the Maroon and White Bulldog Club, the American Angus Association, and the Mississippi Cattleman's Association.  He has been a faithful member of First Baptist Church since 1952 and was a member of the Bain Sunday School Class.  In 1998, the Breakfast Exchange Club honored him with their Book of Golden Deeds Award. Survivors include Dr. Laird's wife, Marilyn E. Laird; his siblings, Reggie and Chayito Laird, Douglas and Prudence Laird, Grover and Ester Laird, Aaron and Janet Laird, and Nellie Rowell; his children, Carolyn Lueken (Ken), Kermit D. Laird Jr. (Buddy) (Luanne), John W. Laird (Kim), David W. Laird (Patsy), Jim C. Laird (Harriet) and Jan Mullen (Wally); and 13 grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Lina Laird; two sisters, Gladys Broome and Geneva Boleware; and a brother, Joe Kenneth Laird. Visitation for Dr. Laird will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at First Baptist Church. The funeral services will be held on Friday, Oct. 6, 2006, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, the MSU Foundation or to one's favorite charity of choice.