Charles "Charlie" Ernest Bird

Charles “Charlie” Ernest Bird, age 71 of Fairfield passed away, Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Jefferson County Health Center.

Visitation for family and friends will be 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at Behner Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be 10:30 am, Thursday, February 4, 2016 at Behner Funeral Home with Pastor Danny Cary officiating. Burial with military rites will be at Forest Home, Mt. Pleasant, IA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family. Cards and memorials can be mailed to: Marie Rambo, 1654 Hwy. 34, Fairfield, Iowa 52556

Charles was born April 6, 1944 to Ronald and Wanda (Cary) Bird in Fairfield, IA. Since July 15, 1971 Mary Cravens was his lifelong partner. She passed away October 20, 2011.

Charlie worked at Dexter in Maintenance for 43 years before he retired. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, wood working and gardening. Charlie enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was a very caring person and enjoyed helping everyone. Charlie served in the Iowa Army National Guard 224th Engineers Battalion during the Vietnam War.

Charlie is survived by his children, Marie (David) Rambo, James Cravens, Emma (Randy) Welcher, Julie Garrison, Ronald Bird, Tammy Martinez and Charles Bird Jr.; 13 grandchildren; 20 + great grandchildren; and two sisters, Judy Williams and Joyce Frost.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Wanda Bird; and lifelong partner, Mary Cravens

On-line condolences can be made to the family at behnerfh.com.