Richard Bird

1937 - 2019

ABINGDON - Richard H. "Dick" Bird, 82, a resident of Woodridge Supportive Living in Galesburg and formerly of Abingdon, died at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, at Aperion Care Galesburg North.

He was born April 5, 1937, in Aledo, the son of Clifford G. and Ruth E. (Perrin) Bird. He married Jenna Mathis on Dec. 28, 1957. She preceded him in death on June 9, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his parents.

Dick is survived by one daughter, Kelly S. (and Tim) McVey of Galesburg; one son, Michael (and Kayla) Bird of Knoxville; four grandchildren, Luke (and Shannon) McVey, Dan (and Stephanie) McVey, Madelyn Bird and Meghan Bird; three great-grandchildren, Trayson, Rylan and Hallack; one brother, Tom Bird of Alexis; and his Woodridge family of 10 years.

He graduated from Alexis High School in 1955 and served in the National Guard for nine years. He worked at Alton Box in Galesburg and was the former owner of the Kerr-McGee Gas Station in Abingdon. He later began a career with G&M Distributors in Galesburg, where he worked 22 years in sales. After his retirement, he worked as a funeral assistant at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel.

He was a member of the Abingdon Christian Church and was a past chairman of the church board. He served on the Abingdon School Board and was a past volunteer fireman for the Abingdon Fire Protection District. He was a member of the Canadian Club Society and the Abingdon Rotary Club. He and Jenna spent time in Oldsmar, Florida, and while there he served as president of the board of directors for Gull Aire Village. His hobbies included traveling, golfing, playing bocce ball and dancing. He also enjoyed a good cigar.

As he had requested, cremation will be accorded. To celebrate his life, his family will receive relatives and friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel. Private scattering of his ashes will be at the East Linwood Cemetery Scattering Garden at a later date.

Memorials may be made to family so they can establish a memorial in his honor at Woodridge Supportive Living. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.