Norman Bird of Tamaroa

Norman E. Bird, 88, of Tamaroa, Illinois, passed away at 5 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021 at the Du Quoin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Norman had been a coal miner at Freeman Orient #6. He was a United States Army veteran. Norman was a member of UMWA and Illinois Horse Pulling Association.

He was born March 20, 1933 at Pinckneyville, Illinois, the son of Hershel and Gladys (Heine) Bird.

He married Verna Mae Knapp on March 15, 1954 at Pinckneyville, and she preceded him in death on June 19, 2010.

He is survived by five children, Kathy Mascetti of Du Quoin, Marla Owens of Christopher, Cindy (Mark) Lunnemann of Pinckneyville, Julie (Dean) Meeks of Brighton, Colorado and a grandson whom he raised, Chad (Melissa) Bird of Du Quoin; seven grandchildren, Chasity (Alex) Cruz, Magon Lunnemann, Stephen Makowon, Brandon (Troy) Bird, J.R. (Heather) Lunnemann, Savanah (Jay) Shea, and Tyler Mascetti; six siblings, Pete (Madeline) Bird, Wilbur (Karen) Bird, Richard (Jane) Bird, Orange Bird, Marie Hutchings and Arthie (Frank) Buschulte; good friend Ruth Anne Hicks; 19 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents; wife; siblings John Bird, Dean Bird and two infant siblings; son-in-law Kenny Mascetti; and one granddaughter, Tosha Lynn.

Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021 at the Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa with the Rev. Joe Wagner officiating.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the Army National Guard.

Burial will be in the Antioch Cemetery at Tamaroa.

Friends are invited to make memorials to Antioch Cemetery, which will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.