Johnnie Lee Birdsell, son of Dale Ellsworth and Geneva Knight Birdsell, was born Jan. 14, 1950, in Beloit, Kan. He died Dec. 5, 2020, at his home near Mans- field, Mo. at the age of 70 years, 10 months and 21 days.

John married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Jo Huff, on May 31, 1969. 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, Mo., Aric Birdsell and wife, Jenna, of Columbus, Ohio, Amy Johnson and husband, Tommy, of Anchorage, Alaska, and Craig Birdsell and wife, Debbie, of Ava, Mo .; 10 grandchildren, Silas, Madeleine, Josephine, Savannah, Ella, Vanessa, Hayden, Danielle, Ashton and Bronson; siblings, Jackie, Jimmie, Judy, Jody and Jerry; many other relatives and friends.

John was born and raised in rural Kansas and was a graduate of Jewell 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 grandchildren, 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.

A service will be held today (Thursday) at Mansfield First Assembly of God, Mansfield, Mo.,with Rev. Jerry Orf and Rev. Jason Brooke officiating.

A graveside funeral service will be held Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020 at 11a.m., at Athens Cemetery, Rural Jewell, with Pastor Rod Rose officiating. Pallbearers are Jeff Birdsell, Aric Birdsell, Craig Birdsell, Tommy Johnson, Silas Birdsell, Hayden Johnson and honorary pallbearers, Ashton Johnson and Bronson Birdsell.

Military graveside honors will be provided by the U.S. Air Force.

Kleppinger Funeral Home, Jewell, is in charge of arrangements.

For online condolences, please visit nuttermortuary.com