Virgel Orin Bird, Jr., 58, of Joplin, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 8, 2021.

Virgel was born February 12, 1963 in Joplin to Virgel Orin Bird, Sr. and Leetta (Hall) Bird. He attended Joplin Schools before attending Franklin Tech Center, where he earned certification in electrical work and hydraulics. Virgel was a well-known handyman and fluent in just about everything, including heating and air and welding. He could fix absolutely anything that was broken. Virgel currently worked for US Assets Recovery in Joplin as their Maintenance Supervisor and previously worked in the maintenance department for Joplin Waste Paper. Virgel had a love and appreciation for classic cars and trucks. His personality was bigger than life. He was always the center of the best jokes and loved to talk in an Australian accent.

Virgel knew just about everyone in Joplin and its surrounding areas. He was the definition of selfless and put everyone before himself. Virgel was proud to be depended on by his family and neighbors, always just a phone call away and willing to help. He was the best husband, dad, grandpa, and friend. Virgel’s presence is truly irreplaceable and he will be missed beyond words.

Virgel was preceded in death by his brother, Christopher Bird; his mother and her husband, Leetta and Frank Bud; and a grandson, Tristin Wood.

He is lovingly survived by his kindergarten sweetheart and wife of 32 years, Karen (Truelove) Bird; nine children, Nikki Bird (James Brewer) of St. Louis, Joshua Bird (Jessie) of Fairland, Oklahoma, Breanna Jernigan of Velma, Oklahoma, Brittney Bird (Rita) of Joplin, Virgel Alexander Bird (Taylor) of Joplin, Kylie Bird of Peculiar, Missouri, Katie Bird of Joplin, Kristin Leech of Joplin, and Jacob Bird (Kaitlee James) of Joplin; 13 grandchildren, Tristin, Dalton, Makenzie, Joshua Jr., Josiah, Alia, Peyton, Ava, Jahzay, Jaxson, Jaylen, Jasmine, and Jakina; his father, Virgel Orin Bird, Sr., of the State of Kansas; four siblings, Justin Bird of Joplin, Carolyn Cupp (Jeff) of Diamond, Robin McClean (Buck) of Joplin, and Marty Bird of Joplin; several nieces and nephews; lifetime friends, Jeff and Holly Fleming; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 14, 2021 in the chapel of Parker Mortuary with Bro. Morris Cleveland officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Joplin. The family will receive friends for visitation from 1-4:00 p.m. Sunday at the mortuary. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.

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