Rusty Bird, Clayton
May 27, 1966 - September 15, 2023
Russell Dean “Rusty” Bird, 57, of Clayton, KS passed away September 15, 2023 at the Norton County Hospital. He was born in Norton on May 27, 1966 to James and Delores (Richardson) Bird.
Rusty grew up in Clayton, KS and was a 1984 graduate of Jennings High School. He went on to college at Dodge City, KS graduating with an associate degree, majoring in math to one day become a math teacher. He started college at Fort Hays University, and he decided to move back after the passing of his mom to be around to help his dad at the Bird service station.
At a young age he began working for local farmers. After moving home, he began working at Kirk hog farm. Rusty started working for Garvey Elevator, now known as the Decatur Co-op Association, Jennings Elevator and had moved up to branch manager, working there until his health would no longer allow.
On May 19th, 1995, after dating several years he married a girl he had been smitten with Angela Hull. To this union were born twin boys Gabriel and Zachary Bird. He was so proud and honored to be their dad.
He was an avid sports fan but especially loved watching KU basketball and Chiefs football.
More than anything he loved spending time with his family and friends telling stories of the past. He enjoyed hunting most of all and the stories that came with it. Singing karaoke with his friends and going to dart tournaments and the dart league in Jennings, KS were more of his favorite pastimes.
Rusty is survived by his wife, Angela; sons, Gabriel and Zachary all of the home; brothers, Richard Bird of Hays, Jim (Teresa) Bird of Leoville, KS; parents-in-law, Diane and Ted Hull of Norton, KS; sisters-in-law, Kim (EJay) Brand of Brighton, IL, and Jennifer (Chris) Shanklin of Manhattan, KS; nephews, Benjamin (Tana) Bird of Danbury, NE, Andrew (Kristi) Bird of Colby, KS, Toliver Bird of Wichita, KS, and Shannon Bird of Hoxie, KS; with many more extended family members and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents, James and Delores Bird; grandparents; and many uncles and aunts.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 21, 2023 at the Norton Christian Church. Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Clayton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 20 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses and sent in care of the funeral home at 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654.
Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.
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