Find A Grave Memorial# 157817261
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Kenneth O. Bird, 69, of Staunton, died Monday, February 1, 2016 surrounded by his dedicated loving family, after a long hard battle with Mesothelioma cancer. Mr. Bird was born on July 9, 1946 in Logan, WV, a son of the late Arthur P. and Mary Miller Chatfield Bird.
Mr. Bird served his country honorably, in the USA Navy, during the Vietnam War aboard the U.S.S. Vulcan AR-5. After leaving the Navy, he was employed by the Seaboard Coastline Railroad, in 1970, where he became a Locomotive Engineer. During his railroad career, he received safety awards and pins of merit for his dedicated service. In 2006 after 36 years of service, he retired from CSX Railroad.
While working for the railroad, Kenneth and his wife, Eleanor, established a National Certified Tree Farm. After retirement, Kenneth established "Deer Park Tree Farm", where he and his wife started selling trees and shrubs at the Staunton-Augusta Farmer's Market. He was a true "Tree Hugger".
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his younger brother, Bradley Arron Bird and a brother-in-law, Roger Cooper. Surviving is the love of his life, Eleanor Braxton Cochran Bird, whom he married on April 29, 1978; a son, Michael David Bird and his wife, Christine; three daughters, Veronica Lewis, and her husband, Dean, Anna Williams, and her husband, John, Theresa Lewis, and her husband, Andy; seven wonderful grandchildren, Kaleb, Issac, Sarah, Athan, Randall, Carter and Cassie; a very special brother, Lawrence Arthur Bird and his wife, Emmajane; two brothers-in-law, Joseph Smith Cochran III and his wife, Inez and Douglas Flanigan Cochran and his wife, Karen; sister-in-law, Mildred Cochran Cooper and twelve nieces and nephews.
Before Ken's health declined, he and his wife thoroughly enjoyed riding their bicycles on the by ways and rail trails throughout the state of Virginia. He was also an avid fly fisherman, casting his line on many lakes, rivers and streams throughout the eastern USA.
Kenny was a long time member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, the American Legion, the American Tree Farm System and the Staunton Historical Society. He also served on the Steering Committee of Staunton-Augusta Farmer's Market.
He was a long time member of Trinity Episcopal Church, he enjoyed serving where needed. He felt being a member of this church family was a true blessing.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 214 W. Beverley Street, Staunton, VA 24401, with The Rev. Paul Nancarrow and Rev. Shelby Ochs Owen officiating. Burial to follow at Thornrose Cemetery with military honors. Following the burial, everyone is invited back to the church for a Celebration of Life Service and Fellowship.
Active Pallbearers will be Paul Bradley, Charles Schooley, Thomas Trykowski, Chapman Williams, David Wise and Thomas Womack. Honorary Pallbearers will be Donald Flower, M.D., Captain U.S. Navy Ret., John P. Wilkinson, Cmdr, U.S. Navy Ret., Theodore Cathey, Lt. Col., U.S. Army Jag. Ret., Michael Albanese, Senior Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Ret., Joseph Vecchioli, USN, and Carol Brown, USN.
The family would like to give a very loving heartfelt thank you to Dr. Todd Wolf, Kathleen Hayden NP, the caring and compassionate nurses at UVA Hope Cancer Center; Dr. Margaret C. Siman, Stephanie RN and staff for all their compassionate caring; the very loving, supportive, caring and kind group at Hospice of the Shenandoah; a wonderful caregiver, faithful and loving friend, Pam Mathews RN and a great spiritual guide helping Ken in his journey, Hospice Chaplain Mark Westebbe.
The News Leader - 3 to 6 Feb 2016
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USA Public Records
Name Ken O Bird
Also Known As Kenneth O Bird
Residence Date 15 Nov 2007
Residence Place Staunton, Virginia
Birth Date 09 Jul 1946
Phone Number (540) 337-0669
Phone Number Recorded Date 05 Dec 2008
Address 1386 Lee Jackson Hwy., Staunton, Virginia 24401
Address Date 15 Nov 2007
2nd Address 253 RR 2 # 253, Staunton, Virginia 24401
2nd Address Date 01 Aug 1996
3rd Address 1801 Parkway Ln., Richmond, Virginia 23225
3rd Address Date 01 Aug 1984
Possible Relatives Eleanor C Bird, Ellie Bird, Michael D Bird
Record Number 160870403