MELVIN S. BAIRD, JR., M.D.

THE Melvin Scott "Doc” Baird, Jr., M.D. was born on October 4,1928, to the Union of Melvin S. Baird, Sr. (Kappa Alpha Psi 1930) and Jeanette (Cooper) Baird (AKA 1935) in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Melvin was a proud Haughville native, IPS attendee starting kindergarten at age 4 as his mother was a teacher which propelled his education. His entrepreneurial mindset began at the young age of 9, where he had his own paper route up through his teenage years. He went on to be a graduate of the renowned Crispus Attucks High School at 15 years of age. Next, he enrolled at Indiana University during a time when black students were not allowed to live on Bloomington campus. Studying at the library meant late evenings after city buses stopped running so he was forced to walk daily 20 blocks to home, but he persevered through it all. A year later at 17, he enlisted in the U. S. Army. At this time, there were no separate military branches, just U. S. Army. On base while stationed in Tuskegee, Alabama, he was blessed to be mentored by the Tuskegee Airman. While serving during WWII in Okinawa, Japan he recalled never seeing a Black Commissioned officer.  Upon his Honorable Discharge in 1949 from the newly established Air Force and return to IU he was the top of his class and first in ROTC earning a “Distinguished Military Graduate” recognition at graduation. During his tenure at IU he pledged (1950) and was a lifelong member of the illustrious Kappa Alpha Psi.

His graduate studies continued at Meharry Medical College as IU had already met their 1 Black Med student yearly quota. While there, he met the love of his life, W. Beatrice Wimes, as she was graduating from Fisk University across from Meharry in Nashville. They met in August and were married on December 22, 1952. They moved back to Indianapolis in 1956 to start his medical practice and delivered a third of the black community ‘til the 1990’s. He was named Best Dressed Man in Indianapolis and so was his wife W. Beatrice Baird. She was featured centerfold in the May 1965 Ebony Magazine. The photoshoot was in the living room of their beautiful home. It was one of his “favorite pictures of Grandma”. They were the first African Americans to buy a home in the Meridian-Kessler district and Warfleigh neighborhood where he lived for 65+ years.

Notably, he was a lifelong member of the National Medical (NMA) and American Medical (AMA) Associations. A wild game hunter, artist, black and white movie watcher, avid gardener and golfer. A lover of all things Family, Tennis, Politics, Nature, History and Golf. A world traveler with his devoted wife and son (visiting every continent except Antarctica). His fondest memories were meeting at his Castle the Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie, Joe Louis while golfing at Coffin Golf Course and visiting Trinidad & Tobago during New Years!

Affectionately known as “The People's Physician”, “Doc” worked at the old St. Vincent Hospital, Methodist Hospital, and Winona Hospital before starting his entrepreneurial journey of opening his own practice in the heart of the city of Indianapolis on West 22nd Street, nestled between North Illinois Street and North Meridian Street. His “Green Building” sat across from another staple and legacy in the black community, Stuart Mortuary, Inc., and adjacent to Boatright Funeral Home. He loved “the people” and never forgot where he came from. If you're in your mid to late 40’s to about 70 years old “Doc” or “Dr. Baird” delivered, you or someone in your family!

His hard work did not go unnoticed. He was nominated and elected a former board member for Citizens Multi Service Center and Fall Creek YMCA, where he also worked tirelessly with The Health and Hospital Corporation, also was President of the Frontiers and Esquire Clubs. In addition to owning his own medical practice he was also the owner of a full-service landscaping company and a Real Estate investor owning properties all over Indianapolis and surrounding cities with his wife serving as his Licensed Real Estate Agent and investment partner.

On Palm Sunday, March 24, 2024, with his family by his side he transitioned from earth to the arms of the Lord. The oldest living Black doctor in Indiana is now our Guardian Angel. Melvin was preceded in Heaven by his Mother and Father, wife of 59 years on earth, Mrs. W. Beatrice Wimes Baird, and baby brother, William Baird Sr.

His transition leaves all to miss his smile, laugh, rich history and storytelling, unmatched barbecue ribs and chicken and his unconditional LOVE for Prime Ribs Steaks.

His legacy continues in a Daughter, Malika Hakima, M.D.; Son, Melvin S. Baird, III; 16 Grandchildren and 14 Great Grandchildren; Grandsons: Melvin Baird, IV, Dwain Self and Marco Baker; Granddaughters: Mia Baird, Sara Baker, and Kyliah Baird; Great-Grandchildren De’reon, D’laia, LeAnna, Ayden and Eden; two Sisters, Lois (Baird) Holland (approaching 100 years) and Beverly (Baird) Muldrow-Lett, and sister-in-law Shirley Baird; a host of friends, mentees, family and a community who highly regarded his lifelong contributions to humanity through his work as a physician, entrepreneur, philanthropist and history maker.

Forever in our hearts you will remain. Together once again, now in heaven with the Love of Your Life. We THANK YOU, LOVE and MISS You Grandpa, “Doc”, “Doctor Baird”.

Heartfelt and Humbly Submitted, The Family of the One and Only Melvin Scott "Doc” Baird, Jr., M. D.

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