Howard Robert Bird, Iii

NEW COLUMBIA - Howard Robert "Butch" Bird, III, 58, died on Sunday, November 23, 2008 at The Gate House, Williamsport, PA. He was the loving husband of JoAnn (Follmer) Bird for 14 years and who survives. Howard was born on July 11, 1950 in Lewisburg and was a son of the late Howard R. and Sylvia (Yocum) Bird, Jr. He was a graduate of the Lewisburg Area High School and was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, West Milton. Howard was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War. He had retired from International Paper/BBA Non Woven after 22 years of service and he had helped with the youth group at the church and enjoyed hunting, fishing, motorcycle riding, trapping and animals. In addition to his wife JoAnn, he is survived by four sons; William Henderson of Lewisburg, Jason Bird of Milton and Jacob Flowers and Joshua Flowers, both of New Columbia, six grandchildren; Billy Henderson, Correne Gray, Sabrina Gray, Clarissa Feaster, Jaydin Grohotosky and Emily Flowers, three brothers; Michael Bird of Muncy, Richard Bird of Alabama and Mark Bird of Frederick, MD, and three sisters; Sharon Machamer of Hughesville and Patty Hess and Beth Reigle, both of Lewisburg. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step mother; Beverly Bird. The memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 28, 2008 at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 433 High St., West Milton, PA 17886 with the Reverend Patricia Bennett officiating. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul's United Church of Christ. Arrangements are being handled by the Dale E. Ranck Funeral Service, 125 N. Front Street, Milton, PA.