Charles Albert Bird Jr., affectionately known as “Paco” since his first grandchild could barely talk, was born on February 6, 1935 to his parents Charles Albert Bird and Vinnie Margaret Jarvis. He lived a remarkable and faith-filled life until he passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 29, 2021.  

Paco, the oldest of eight children, was born at home in St. John’s, Arizona. He grew up as a true cowboy on a ranch outside of Post, Texas, where he made many life-long friends and graduated from high school. Paco lived his life “on the move” and “in a hurry” — primarily on a horse, in a truck, or on a 4-wheeler.  He may have lived and worked in the city, but he was always the most at home “on the ranch”. 

Charlie attended Brigham Young University where he obtained a degree in Chemistry and met his future wife— Alice Kathleen Young, to whom he has been married for 61 years.  Charlie worked as a Chemist for several years before going back to school and obtaining another degree from The University of Arizona to become a pharmacist. He managed a drug store and pharmacy in Tucson, Arizona for several years and became the father of three children there: Kim (Linda), Kristi (Don), and Keith. 

Charlie moved to Willard, Missouri in 1973 and became the pharmacist at Taylor Health Center, on the campus of Southwest Missouri State University.  Charlie worked there for over 40 years, where he developed many close friendships.  However, his first love and true vocation was as a cowboy and rancher. 

Charlie purchased the Bird Ranch west of Stockton when he first moved to Missouri.  He would work all day as a pharmacist then drive to the ranch and do his “real” work as a cowboy.   In 1999 he was able to acquire the Spring Ranch which had been his parents first ranch in Missouri after leaving Texas. 

It was at the Spring Ranch where he helped to raise and taught to work all of his 10 grandchildren: Laura, Kara, Cassidy, Allison, Suni, Abby, Joseph, Ciara, William, and Anna.  He also enjoyed spending time with his 19 great grandchildren.  Numerous boys worked for him and appreciated his mentorship.  It was a constant source of amazement that no matter how many people Paco had working on the ranch with him, they could never finish the list of projects that he wanted them to accomplish.  He was still passing out lists of things to be done from his hospital bed. 

Paco will be remembered for his constant dry wit and humor. He was making people smile and laugh to the very end.  As a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he will also be fondly remembered as a man of true faith and devotion.

A viewing to celebrate Charlie’s life will be held on Friday, April 2, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter—Day Saints: 340 W. Jackson Willard, MO.  His funeral will be held on Saturday, April 3, at 2:00 pm in the same location.  Burial will follow at Clear Creek Cemetery Willard, MO.  Online condolences may be made at: www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Pitts Chapel Bolivar, MO.