Gene Bird

Claude Eugene Bird (Gene), age 90, died on January 5, 2023, at Lampasas Assisted Living. Gene was born during the Great Depression on February 13, 1932, to Claude C. and Flora (Smith) Bird in Burnet County, TX. He was the oldest of 5 children.

Gene grew up in Burnet. He attended school in Burnet where he excelled in academics and football. He was senior class president and graduated with honors in 1949. He attended Texas A & M for 1 year as a member of the Corps of Cadets and then transferred to the University of Texas. He contracted diphtheria during the semester and had to leave school. When he recovered, he served for two years in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. After his military service, he returned to the University of Texas and completed a degree in Business Administration.

In 1956, Gene married Betty Ruth Fry of Burnet, TX. She preceded him in death in 1976. On August 12, 1977, he married Barbara Matthews Haynes of Burnet, TX. They were married for 45 years. Their blended family included Kathy, Geoffrey, Mary, James, Doug, Debbie, and Donnie.

Gene worked as an accountant for Prudential Insurance in Houston, TX and later as Computer Comptroller for Spring Branch I.S.D. In 1968, Gene and his family moved home to Burnet, TX. He began work at Fry Motors, the family business, as Vice President and Service Manager. He worked in this capacity until he retired. Gene was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed ranching and hunting. After retirement, he focused on ranching and formed B & H Partners with his son, Doug.

Gene was active in his community. He was a member of the Burnet Rotary Club and served in many capacities including president. He was very proud to serve as Chairman of the Hospital Board during the construction phase of the Ascension Seton Highland Lakes Hospital. He was honored to be named Burnet Citizen of the Year in 1993. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Burnet, where he also served as a lay leader. He was named FUMC Man of the Year in 1999.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Flora Bird; wife, Betty Ruth Bird; son, Geoffrey Bird; brother, Charles (Buddy) Bird; and sister, Florene Duncan.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Bird; children, Kathy Brown (Rex), Mary Cain, James Bird (Lora), Doug Haynes (Tina), Debbie Balsam (Jimmy), and Donnie Haynes (Donna); brother, Duryl Bird and sister, Claudeane Braun (Charlie); grandchildren, Katrina Kothmann (Rex), Kara Brown, Corine Ribera (Anthony), Wes Cain (Jessica), Tomas Cain (Kayla), Ben Cain, Korey Cain (Kalli), Katherine Cain, Loran Bird, Jacob Bird, Noah Bird, Elissa Hooper (Mike), Laura Brimer (Tom), Emily Riley (Curtis) , Amie Abernathy (Daniel), Marcus Tutor (Amber), Victoria Joy, Aaron Davenport (Marta) and Zachary Haynes. He also leaves behind 21 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Gene will be held at First United Methodist Church of Burnet on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 10:00 AM with a service to follow at 11:00 AM. The burial will be held at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park immediately following the service.

Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Burnet or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ClementsWilcoxBurnet.com for the Bird family.