Birdsong, George K.

Daily Oklahoman
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
3/8/2007

Birdsong, George K., age 82, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend went to be with the Lord on March 7, 2007. George was born on December, 10, 1924 near Clarksburg, MO in Cooper County, MO. He was the youngest of four children of James Aubrey Birdsong and Anna Mary Minster Birdsong.

His parents, two brothers John and Robert, his sister Mildred, and niece Annette Sell preceded him in death. George joined Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church early in life and was baptized in Brush Creek near the Church by Rev. Blount F. Davidson. At the time of his death George was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Due to illness he was unable to attend church in later life therefore we are especially appreciative of Pastor Walter Swenson. During George's younger life he enjoyed fishing, boating, and golfing. As he grew older he studied the Bible and read many, many books. His parents, wife Betty, and Billy Graham were important contributors to his spirituality. One of his favorite verses from the Bible was 'He has showed you, O Man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God,' Micah 6:8 NIV.

George married Ramona Snodgrass in 1946, their son Kenneth A. Birdsong was born in 1949. George married the love of his life, Betty Field Albee in 1958. The death of his son Kenneth in 2000, was devastating to him, but he faced that and all of his health problems with loving care from his wife Betty, plus his own quiet courage faith, prayer, and hope. George's strong belief in God and his dedication to his family was demonstrated over and over by his enthusiasm to share and his incredible ability to teach.

George is survived by his wife Betty of the home; daughter-in-law Delta Birdsong and her husband Larry Lindsay of Conway, MO; stepson Denny V. Albee and wife Laura of Southbury, CT; sister-in-law Beth Birdsong of MI; five grandchildren Ruthann Birdsong, of Conway, MO; Janice Birdsong and her husband Jesse Harms of Oklahoma City, OK; Ryan Birdsong and his wife Rhonda of Conway, MO; Taylor and Hunter Albee of Southbury, CT; three great grandchildren Aaron and DaCoda Birdsong, of Conway, MO; Jaylyn Harms of Oklahoma City, OK. He is also survived by sister-in-law Beth Birdsong, nieces Deana Birdsong, Anna E. Crosthwait, Mary J. Ward; nephews Jack Birdsong, David Birdsong, Philip Morrow, Keith Birdsong, and many cousins, great nieces & nephews, and friends. George proudly served his country with General Patton's Third Army during World War II and participated in three European campaigns. He began working for Cargill Inc., in Kansas City, MO in 1954 as a billing clerk. He was transferred to Maumee, Ohio in 1960, to Buffalo, NY in 1966, back to Maumee in 1969, and to Minneapolis, MN in 1973. Due to illness George had to take an early retirement from Cargill Inc., and relocated to Oklahoma City, OK. He was very proud of his work for Cargill. He retired in 1984, as an Officer and General Rail Transportation Manager. We would like to give a special thanks to Lloyd and Mary Sanders, Valerie Wright, Mark Linse, and their families for their amazing friendship. We also want to express our gratitude for the excellent medical care provided to our family by Dr. Gasbarra and SouthernCare Hospice. George was deeply loved, cherished, and respected by his family and friends, he is truly missed. We know he has earned his eternal peace and has our everlasting love and respect.

Family will greet friends Friday, March 9, 2007 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Vondel Smith North. Services will be held 1:00 PM, Saturday, March 10, 2007 at Vondel Smith North Colonial Chapel.

Source: The Oklahoman.

Contributed by Marti Graham, March 2007. Information posted as courtesy to researchers. The contributor is not related to nor researching any of the above.