Johnnie Lee Birdsell

Johnnie Lee Birdsell, son of Dale Ellsworth and Geneva Knight Birdsell, was born January 14th, 1950 in Beloit, Kansas. He departed this life on December 5th, 2020 at his home near Mansfield, Missouri at the age of seventy years, ten months and twenty-one days.

John married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Jo Huff on May 31st, 1969 and together they had four children.

John was preceded in death by his parents.

John is survived by his wife of fifty-one years, Carolyn; their children, Jeff Birdsell and wife, Brandy, of Springfield, Missouri, Aric Birdsell and wife, Jenna, of Columbus, Ohio, Amy Johnson and husband, Tommy, of Anchorage, Alaska, and Craig Birdsell and wife, Debbie, of Ava, Missouri; ten grandchildren, Silas, Madeleine, Josephine, Savannah, Ella, Vanessa, Hayden, Danielle, Ashton and Bronson; siblings, Jackie, Jimmie, Judy, Jody and Jerry; many other relatives and friends.

John was born and raised in rural Kansas and was a graduate of Jewel High School in 1968. He loved his country and was proud to have served a combined twenty-one years in the U.S. Air Force and the Alaska Air National Guard. Throughout his life he lived in Alaska, Kansas and Missouri.

Faith in Christ was important to John and he was active in his local church, serving on the board, volunteering with Royal Rangers, Children’s Church, leading youth group and most recently being involved with the Men’s Ministry at Mansfield First Assembly of God.

John enjoyed life on the farm, wood working, spoiling his grandkids, long conversations and sports, especially following the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and will always treasure the time we had together.

Graveside Funeral Services will be Saturday December 19th, 2020 at 11:00 am at Athens Cemetery, Rural Jewell, KS with Pastor Rod Rose officiating.

Military Graveside honors will be provided by the U.S. Air Force.

Kleppinger Funeral Home, Jewell, is in charge of arrangements.

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