Earl E. Bird

Earl E. Bird, 96, of Herrin, Illinois, went to be with the Lord on November 10, 2026, at home with Sally, his wife of more than 20 years, by his side. He was born on March 19, 1930, in Buncombe, Illinois, to Lloyd and Marie (Fuller) Bird. 

On July 7, 1948, he married Betty Lou Jones. They shared nearly 55 years of marriage before her death on May 22, 2003. Earl married Sally Rutherford on January 11, 2005. A man of many talents, Earl once sang Roy Acuff’s “The Great Speckled Bird” on the radio. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his good buddies, Russ and John. Earl owned his own barbershop in Glen Ellyn and later worked as a security guard in Aurora before retiring to Goreville, Illinois, where he and Betty built “the farm.” In retirement, he enjoyed gardening, working around his home and 40 acres, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even well into his 90s, he enjoyed woodworking projects in his garage and walking, often making numerous laps around Sam’s Club each week. His faith was an important part of his life. For more than 30 years, Earl was a devoted member of Victory Baptist Church in Carterville, Illinois where he met Sally. His presence will be greatly missed. 

He is survived by his wife, Sally Bird; four children, Garry and Kelli (Friel) Bird of Hollow Rock, Tennessee; Larry and Betty (Hodel) Bird of Hammond, Indiana; Terry and Ruth (Dickenson) Bird of Cherry Valley, Illinois; and Earlita and Neil Hampton of South Bend, Indiana; 17 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; a sister, Betty Jo Bishop; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Betty Lou Bird; a brother, Donald Bird; and a sister, Ruth Karraker. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Blue Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. at Blue Funeral Home located at 1704 North Court Street in Marion, Illinois.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at noon, with Neil Hampton officiating. An additional visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the missions program at Victory Baptist Church.  Visit www.binkleyross.com to leave condolences online for the family.