Gerald Wayne Birdwell, 78, of Weatherford died Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at his residence. Born December 28, 1929 in Canadian, Gerald BirdwellTexas, he was a long time resident of Parker County. Birdwell 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 Bealls 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, Birdwell attended North Texas State University. He moved to Weatherford to manage Bealls 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 Birdwell 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.”
Birdwell is preceded in death by his daughter Diana Faye Cook Towles and a brother Edward Birdwell.
Survivors include 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 was scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, November 8, 2008 in the Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel. Interment was scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, November 9, 2008 in the Zion Hill Cemetery near Henderson.
Arrangements handled by Galbreaith Pickard.