Gerald Wayne Birdwell

Gerald Wayne Birdwell, 78, of Weatherford died Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008 at his residence. Born Dec. 28, 1929 in Canadian, Texas, he was a long time resident of Parker County.Gerald grew up in Harper Grove Community south of Henderson in East Texas. He attended Minden schools, The Old Rock Hill Institute, graduating in 1945. His first job was at Beall’s Department Store before entering the Air Force in 1949 where he was stationed at Clarkfield in the Philippines and later stationed in Thailand. After returning from the military, Gerald attended North Texas State University. He moved to Weatherford to manage Beall’s Department Store, later became a Juvenile Probation officer, was president of the Chamber of Commerce from 1971-1972, Parker County Judge for eight years and retired in 1986. After retiring, Gerald went to work for Century 21 Jim Duncan as a Real Estate agent for 16 years, he then spent the rest of his life devoted to his family and friends. Although he was never formally married, it never stopped him from being a Dad and a role model to everyone who ever met him. “The greatest gift I ever had, came from God, I call him Dad.”Gerald is preceded in death by his daughter, Diana Faye Cook Towles; and a brother, Edward Birdwell.Survivors: Family, Shawn Stembridge of Weatherford, April Stembridge of Irving, Bobbie Leigh Towles of Weatherford; brother, Henry V. Birdwell Jr., MD and wife Georgia of Fort Worth, their children, Joan Birdwell Reese, David Marshall Birdwell, Jan Birdwell White and Carol Birdwell; as well as many great nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.Funeral service: 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008 in the Galbreaith-Pickard Funeral Chapel. Interment will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008 in the Zion Hill Cemetery near Henderson, Texas. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Galbreaith-Pickard is in charge of arrangements.Galbreaith-Pickard Funeral Chapel913 N. Elm, Weatherford, TX 76086(817) 594-2747