John Bird Obituary

John R. Bird, 88, formerly of Spring Township, passed away May 8, 2023, at Poplar Run Stone Ridge Retirement Living Community, Myerstown. He was the loving husband for over 69 years to Janice M. (Heffner) Bird. Born in Spring Township, he was the son of the late J. Leroy and Mary C. (Young) Bird. He was a 1952 graduate of Wilson High School. John started his work career at Textile Machine Works, working 12 years in landscaping and in the foundry department; he later was employed by Carlos Leffler for 20 years as an office manager and before retiring working for 10 years for John F. Lengel Inc. , Womelsdorf. John was an avid Philadelphia Phillies and 76ers fan. John enjoyed being outdoors any chance he could get, although his favorite activities were softball, hunting, fishing and gardening. He loved played games of all types. John was an amazing artist and could often be found drawing on any piece of paper he could find. John could be counted on to put a smile on anyone's face with one of his many jokes he always had ready. One of John's favorite things was spending time with his family over wonderful meals as often as possible. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Jeffrey L. Bird, husband of Cathy, Denver, CO; three sisters: Sylvia Reynolds, Carlisle, Catherine Liss, Spring Township, and Jane Gehman, Lancaster County; three granddaughters: Andrea (Puddin), Alecia, wife of Chad, and Margaret; one grandson: John Marten; and two great-granddaughters, Savannah and Makenzie. John was predeceased by his son Dennis L. Bird, his sister, Joan Brandt, and his grandson-in-law, Kyle Pagerly. Services will be Friday May 12, 2023, at 11 a. m. at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc. , West Reading with burial to follow at Spies Zion Cemetery. A viewing will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www. kuhnfuneralhomes. com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Stevens, PA. Checks can be sent to PO Box 110 Kleinfeltersville, PA 17039; checks should be made payable to the PA Game Commission.