John Francis Bird of Port Aransas died Monday, Oct. 4, 2010. He was 96.

Bird was born April 17, 1914 in Evenwood, W. Va. to Clyde and Eva (Rosencrance) Bird.

He grew up in Erie, Pa. and worked as a bookkeeper for the Erie Printing Company until he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

After his service, Bird attended Carnegie Tech printing school and worked for W.H. Kistler Stationery and Printing Company in Denver, Colo. as production manager for 30 years before his retirement in 1979.

Bird and his wife moved to Port Aransas after his retirement.

He was involved in Lion’s Club and Island Retreat II homeowners association and also sang in the Community Presbyterian Church choir.

Bird is survived by his wife of 78 years, Mabel Bird; sons, Dr. John W.C. (Evie) Bird of Port Aransas and Lt. Col. (ret.) Victor (Connie) Bird of Port Aransas; daughters, Caroline (Don) Collins of Port Aransas and Muriel (Randy) Holben of Tuscon, Ariz.; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-greatgrandchild.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.