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Johnnie Lee Birdsell, son of Dale Ellsworth and Geneva Knight Birdsell, was born Jan. 14, 1950 in Beloit, Kan. He departed this life on Dec. 5, 2020 at his home near Mansfield, at the age of 70 years, 10 months and 21 days. John married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Jo Huff, on May 31, 1969, and together they had four children. John was preceded in death by his parents. John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carolyn; their children, Jeff Birdsell and wife, Brandy, of Springfield; Aric Birdsell and wife, Jenna, of Columbus, Ohio; Amy Johnson and husband, Tommy, of Anchorage, Alaska; and Craig Birdsell and wife, Debbie, of Ava; 10 grandchildren, Silas, Madeleine, Josephine, Savannah, Ella, Vanessa, Hayden, Danielle, Ashton and Bronson; siblings, Jackie, Jimmie, Judy, Jody and Jerry; and many other relatives and friends. John was born and raised in rural Kansas and was a graduate of Jewel High School in 1968. He loved his country and was proud to have served a combined 21 years in the U.S. Air Force and the Alaska Air National Guard. Throughout his life he lived in Alaska, Kansas and Missouri. Faith in Christ was important to John and he was active in his local church, serving on the board, volunteering with Royal Rangers, Children’s Church, leading youth group and most recently being involved with the Men’s Ministry at Mansfield First Assembly of God. John enjoyed life on the farm, wood working, spoiling his grandkids, long conversations and sports, especially following the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and will always treasure the time we had together. Services will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020 at the Mansfield First Assembly of God Church with the Rev. Jerry Orf and the Rev. Jason Brooke. Pallbearers will be Jeff Birdsell, Aric Birdsell, Craig Birdsell, Tommy Johnson, Silas Birdsell and Hayden Johnson. Honorary pallbearers will be Ashton Johnson and Bronson Birdsell. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020 at Athens Cemetery in Jewell, Kan. Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Mansfield is in charge of the arrangements.
