Donald Lester Bird

Donald Lester Bird

1964-2016

Donald Lester Bird was born May 10, 1964 to parents Lester C. Bird and Iva Jane (Wagner) Bird in Yuma, Colorado.  He passed away on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 in Yuma, Colorado.  He was 52 years old. 

Don married Tylene Anne Rutz on February 28, 2013.

Don held various occupations all of them being agriculture related.  He went on custom harvest crews and was a farm hand for local farmers.  He was a heavy equipment operator mostly driving loaders.  Don was best known for driving semis.  He drove both over the road and local.  His CB handle was “Big Bird”.

Don had several hobbies which included tractor pulls, drag racing, riding ATV’s, radio control cars and fishing.  He took special interest in his pet pugs, Greaseball and Lugnut. 

Don would go out of his way to help anyone.  If he knew you, he would stop and talk to you.  He would take a phone call in the middle of the night and he was always ready to listen.  Don had quite a sense of humor, always had a story or joke to tell to make people smile. 

Don was preceded in death by his father, Lester C. Bird.  Survivors include his wife, Tylene Bird; daughters, Jeanetta Rutz and husband, DeCal Smith, Santana and husband, Colin Bassnett; sons, Elan Dennis and Nate Henderson; grandchildren, DeVon Smith and Jasmine Bassnett; mother, Iva Jane Bird; sister, Donna and husband, Rick Aagesen; aunt, Pauline Cook; niece, Elizabeth and husband, James Basham, nephew, Jonathan Aagesen and fiancé, Kayla Curtis; great nephew, Peyton Basham along with numerous other relatives and a host of friends. 

The memorial service was held on Wednesday, September 15, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.  at the Yuma Christian Church with Pastor Don Smith officiating.  Inurnment follows at the Yuma Cemetery.  Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.