Gary Dean Bird, Sr.

Gary Dean Bird, Sr., 75, of Newton died on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. The family will greet friends from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, December 30, 2021, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. Memorials in Gary’s name (checks made payable to Jackie White) may be left at the funeral home. 

Gary, the son of Jesse and Marie (Lambert) Bird, was born on September 10, 1946, in Oskaloosa. In his teen years, the family moved to Newton. After graduating from high school he was united in marriage with Sandra Thompson on April 30, 1966 in Newton.  He worked in the factory at the Maytag Company, retiring in 2006. Gary was a member of the UAW Local 997.  He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren,and fishing. 

Gary is survived by his children, Richard (Robin) Armstrong of Texas, Jerry Bird of Newton, Jackie (Michael) White of Des Moines and Gary Bird, Jr. of Newton; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Cindy (Duane) Van Zante of Knoxville and Bill Bird of Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sandra Bird; twin brother, Jerry Bird; and brother, Don Bird. 

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