Norman E. Bird, 88, of Tamaroa, passed away at 5:00 A.M., Monday, September 27, 2021 at the Du Quoin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Norman had been a coal miner at Freeman Orient #6. He was a United States Army veteran. Norman was a member of UMWA and Illinois Horse Pulling Association.
He was born March 20, 1933 at Pinckneyville, IL, the son of Hershel and Gladys (Heine) Bird.
He married Verna Mae Knapp on March 15, 1954 at Pinckneyville, IL and she preceded him in death on June 19, 2010.
He is survived by five children - Kathy Mascetti of Du Quoin, Marla Owens of Christopher, Cindy Lunnemann and Mark of Pinckneyville, Julie Meeks and Dean of Brighton, CO, and a grandson whom he raised - Chad Bird and Melissa of Du Quoin, seven grandchildren - Chasity Cruz and Alex, Magon Lunnemann, Stephen Makowon, Brandon Bird and Troy, J.R. Lunnemann and Heather, Savanah Shea and Jay, and Tyler Mascetti, six siblings - Pete Bird and Madeline, Wilbur Bird and Karen, Richard Bird and Jane, Orange Bird, Marie Hutchings, and Arthie Buschulte and Frank, good friend - Ruth Anne Hicks, nineteen great grandchildren, thirteen great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, siblings - John Bird, Dean Bird and two infant siblings, son-in-law - Kenny Mascetti, and one granddaughter - Tosha Lynn.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, September 30, 2021 at the Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa with Rev. Joe Wagner officiating.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 P.M., Wednesday at the Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the Army National Guard.
Burial will be in the Antioch Cemetery at Tamaroa, IL.
Friends may make memorials to Antioch Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home.