William J. Bird of Plainfield, IN passed away peacefully in his home with his family on Sunday, April 19, 2015.

Bill was born January 19, 1925 to Asa G. and Maude M. (Boring) Bird in Kansas City, Kansas.

Bill was a graduate of Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, KS and was immediately drafted into the US Army, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 242nd Regiment, 42nd Infantry Division, part of the Rainbow Division. Bill was taken Prisoner of War during the Battle of the Bulge, remaining in Stalag IVB in Muhlburg Germany until the end of the War. Upon his return, Bill married Betty Jane Cunningham on July 29, 1945.

Bill is survived by his wife of over 69 years Betty Jane (Cunningham) Bird of Plainfield; daughter, Connie (Bird) Moore-Altschwager of Indianapolis; son, William J. Jr. (Linda Crawshaw) Bird of Zanesville, OH; grandchildren: Jennifer Moore (Bill) Cooper of Indianapolis, Cindy Moore (Bill Kingery) of Camby, Ron Jr. (Cheri DePerry) Moore of Plainfield, Laura (Scott) Crates of Findlay, OH, and William J. III (Kelly Hainline) Bird of Painesville, OH and great-grandchildren: Jacob and Tyler Cooper, Maddy Moore, Cody Kingery, Ronnie and Cohen Moore, Molly, Maggie, Luke and Nick Crates, Landon, Blake and Gavin Bird.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Asa and Maude Bird; two brothers, Davey Dick and Robert Wayne Bird.

Bill retired in 1987 after more than 30 years as an Engineer for Allison Motors Division of General Motors, building and testing F-84 jet engines.

Bill was an avid fisherman and gardener throughout his life, was an officer in the Big Elbow Lake (Waubun, MN) Homeowners Association, was an active supporter of the Elbow Lake Fire Department and Auxiliary, served as Optimist Club International Governor of Indiana, was an accomplished stained glass artist specializing in making Tiffany designed lampshades and was a member of Camby Community Church, Camby, IN.

Bill's family invites you to a Celebration of Life Service at 1 pm, Sunday, April 26, 2015 at Camby Community Church, 8604 Camby Road, Camby, IN 46113 with visitation preceding from noon to 1 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 50 E. 91st St., Ste 100, Indianapolis, IN 46209-4830.

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