Charles Bird

Charles Albert Bird, Jr. was born on Feb. 6, 1935 to his parents Charles Albert Bird and Vinnie Margaret Jarvis. He lived a remarkable and faith-filled life until he passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 29, 2021.
Bird, the oldest of eight children, was born at home in St. John’s, Ariz. He grew up as a true cowboy on a ranch outside of Post, Texas, where he made many lifelong friends and graduated from high school.
Bird attended Brigham Young University where he obtained a degree in chemistry and met his future wife— Alice Kathleen Young, to whom he has been married for 61 years. He worked as a chemist for several years before going back to school
and obtaining another degree from the University of Arizona to become a pharmacist. He managed a drug store and pharmacy in Tucson, Ariz. for several years and became the father of three children there: Kim (Linda), Kristi (Don), and
Keith.
Bird moved to Willard in 1973 and became the pharmacist at Taylor Health Center, on the campus of Southwest Missouri State University. He worked there for over 40 years, where he developed many close friendships.
Bird purchased the Bird Ranch west of Stockton when he first moved to Missouri. He would work all day as a pharmacist then drive to the ranch and do his “real” work as a cowboy. In 1999, he was able to acquire the Spring Ranch which had been his parents first ranch in Missouri after leaving Texas.
It was at the Spring Ranch where he helped to raise and taught to work all of his 10 grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time with his 19 great-grandchildren.
As a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he will also be fondly remembered as a man of true faith and devotion.
A viewing to celebrate Bird’s life was from 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 2, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter—Day Saints, 340 W. Jackson Willard. His funeral was Saturday, April 3, at 2 p.m. in the same location. Burial followed at Clear Creek Cemetery Willard. Online condolences may be made at: www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Pitts Chapel Bolivar.