White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Richard W. Bird, 86 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Monday, April 22, 2013, at ABCM Rehab Center Independence – East.  He was born on May 7, 1926, in Independence, Iowa, the son of William Delbert and Emma Goldie (Benion) Bird.  He attended school in Independence.  He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.  Mr. Bird farmed the family farm in Buchanan County until he moved to Independence.  He was always busy with a project of some kind for someone.  He enjoyed working in his and other people’s yards.

Mr. Bird is survived by one brother, Gilbert Bird of Waterloo, Iowa, and his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister, Pauline Bird, 2 brothers, Ardell Bird and Lyle Bird, 1 half sister, Margaret, 1 nephew, Gary Bird, and his long time special friend, Mary Retta Cameron.

Family and friends may call for visitation from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24^th, at the White Funeral Home in Independence.  Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery at a later date.