Arthur Douglas Bird

Arthur Douglas Bird, age 93, of Pinckneyville, passed away at 10:35 pm on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the Pinckneyville Community Hospital.

Arthur was born in Pinckneyville on August 25, 1930, the son of Wilford and Nora (Wolfe) Bird. He married the love of his life, Essa Mae Weatherford, in Pinckneyville in 1953. Together, they have shared more than seventy years of marriage and precious memories.

In his younger years, Arthur worked for the US Railroad and the grain elevator. He later retired from Gilster Mary Lee. He enjoyed coon hunting with his son, Steve, until Steve’s unexpected death.  Arthur liked the simple things in life, such as sitting in his swing or chair, and just watching everything outside. Arthur never met a stranger. He enjoyed talking with his friends and tending to his huge garden, for which he was known.  He worked outside, all the way into his late 80’s, tending to his beloved chickens, cutting wood, etc. He loved going to the Sonic Drive-In, which was an outing he frequently did. Most of all, Arthur loved his wife and his family dearly. He cherished spending time with his buddies, Abel and Axton.

Survivors include his loving wife- Essa Mae Bird of Pinckneyville; son and daughter-in-law- Douglas Ray and Leslie Bird of Pinckneyville; grandchildren- Darrah (Mikey) Mathis; great grandchildren- Abel Michael Douglas Mathis and Axton Andrew Mathis; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Arthur will be dearly missed by all those that knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his son- Steven Ray Bird, and fourteen siblings- Herschel Bird, Orange Bird, Jane Uhe, Herbert Bird, Theodore Bird, Dollie Buschschulte, John Bird, Ervin Bird, Mervin Bird, Lincoln Bird, James Bird, Cornelia Bird, and infant twin sisters- Dora and Nora Bird.

Private graveside services were held at Mueller Hill Cemetery in Pinckneyville where the family gathered to say their final goodbyes to a most wonderful and loving man.  Family and friends are encouraged to remember Arthur in your own way, reflecting on the moments shared and the impact he had on your life.

Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home in Du Quoin is honored to have been called to serve the family. For more information, or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.maxtonrosado.com or call 618-542-2020 for more information.

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