Eldon Lyle Bird, age 93, of Quinter, KS, passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2020, at Andbe Home in Norton, KS. He was born in Quinter, KS on June 11, 1927 to Andrew and Mary (Anderson) Bird.
Eldon grew up on the family farm south of Quinter where he worked with his father. He liked to farm, work with cattle, and break horses with his dad and brother. He liked to hunt, fish, garden, visit with friends, and hunt for fossils on the farm. Eldon and his brother discovered a 12-inch fossil and some tail links of what turned out to be the “fish within a fish” that was later donated by Andrew and Mary Bird to the Sternberg Museum. He especially enjoyed “fixing broken stuff.”
Eldon enlisted in the army in 1945, and was called to duty in January of 1946, when he processed through the Denver, CO induction center. He completed basic training at Shephard Field, WA, where he was trained in demolitions and airplane mechanics. He was then sent to Clarke air base in the Philippines, where he worked on B-17’s, B-24’s, and B-29’s, all of which were primary bombers of World War II. Eldon also proudly served with the Quinter American Legion for over 50 years.
After returning home, Eldon went back to his life of farming and raising cattle, ran Bird’s K-T Fina station, worked as a meat cutter, and managed Fink grocery store for several years, eventually buying the store, which he operated for 25 years. He also had his own trucking operation, feed lot calves, and took pride in helping other local farmers. On December 9, 1957, Eldon was united in marriage to Cecelia Schmidt. To this union 2 sons were born, Gregory and Mitchell, by whom he is survived.
Eldon was preceded in death by both parents; brother Roland; and sisters Eva, Reva Lanore, Loreene, and Norma.
Services for Eldon will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Eldon Bird Memorial fund. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 Main St. Quinter, KS 67752.
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com