John Frank Bird, Lt. Colonel, USAF (Retired)
May 12, 1923 – October 21, 2010

Lt. Col. John F. Bird, USAF (Ret), 87, of Brandon, FL., born May 12, 1923, passed away on October 21, 2010.

John proudly served in the United States Air Force for 29 years.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Bird. John is survived by his loving family, children, John H. (Rena) Bird, Tim (Julie) Bird and Coleen (Neal) Petree; brothers, Bill Bird and Charlie Bird; sister, Augusta Hicks; grandchildren, Cameron, Jessica, Kristy, Lindsay and Neal; and his loving dog, Jake.

~ GUEST BOOK ~

November 7, 2010 10:46 PM
As the youngest of the Bird girl and boys, we knew John Frank as Bud, being our brother and our buddy, and later as the Ole Goat!  A great brother and guy, he wanted to fly so he actually first tried the Navy flight program, but couldn’t pass the physical exam.  He then found his way into the Army from which he entered the Army Air Corps flight program, and the rest is Air Force history!  Although he never landed a plane on an aircraft carrier, he was a super pilot, officer and friend.  He certainly exceeded the aviating abilities of his baby brother.  Speaking for and with our sister, Augusta, our brother, Bill, and me, we will miss him greatly, but take solace in knowing he is happy with his beloved wife, we knew as Joan.
~
Capt. Charles F. Bird, USN, Ret.

October 27, 2010 9:46 PM
To the greatest man that ever wore a uniform and the proud title “Father”, you will be sorely missed Dad.  I’ll see you on the high ground.
~
John H. Bird, SFC, USA Ret

October 25, 2010 9:11 AM
Best wishes to Col. John’s family at this sad time. I flew with the Col. out of NKP he was a fine warrior. I was proud to serve with him.
~
CMSgt. Roy O. Adams USAF, Ret.

October 24, 2010 5:10 PM
SO LONG JOHN, I’LL SEE YOU LATER. RIP DARDEN
~
LT. COL. HENRY R. DARDEN, USAF, RET.

October 24, 2010 3:04 PM
I flew with Lt. Col. Bird with the 21st Special Operations Squadron at Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Thailand. God rest his soul, protect and comfort his family with the memory of the life they shared and provide the support and comfort of family and friends. I present my “Slow Hand Salute” to honor and thank him for his service to our country.
Jim Burns, SMSgt. USAF (retired) www.rotorheadsrus.us
~
James (Jim) W. Burns

October 24, 2010 10:25 AM
I’m sorry to hear of the passing of John Bird.  I knew him some 40 years ago when we flew helicopters together in the war in Southeast Asia.  He was my copilot on his first combat mission during which we were fired at by multiple AAA guns and the lead helicopter (we were number three in the formation) was hit.  I was a brand new Captain at the time and John was a Lt Col.  He was one of the nicest people I ever met.  I only wish that I had known that he was in the area sooner – I live in Valrico.  You can certainly be proud of the time he spent there in helicopters – we saved many lives including both military and civilians.  We also sponsored an orphanage in Thailand.
~
Jerry Kibby, Lt. Col. USAF (Retired)