Robert Allen Birdsall, Jr.

Robert Allen Birdsall, Jr. went to be with His Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 4, at First Methodist Woodway with Pastor Brian Patrick officiating. Visitation will be 10 a.m., one hour prior to the service at the church.

Bob was born October 18, 1933, in Neptune City, New Jersey, to Robert and Mercedes Birdsall. He grew up in Hialeah, Florida, and briefly attended the University of Florida before joining the Air Force. He started his military career as a B-47 bomber pilot and then worked in various governmental organizations, training astronauts for the Gemini and Apollo space missions at NASA and eventually working for central intelligence in Washington, DC. He worked his way up the ranks before retiring as a Lt. Colonel in the USAF. After retiring from the Air Force, he returned to school and received a BBA from St. Edwards University in Austin. He then worked at the Veterans Administration until his retirement in 1996.

Shortly after Bob’s retirement from the VA, he became disabled. His disability made things difficult, but it soon became a testament to the strength and trust built in his marriage to Clydia. Clydia remained by his side and devotedly loved and cared for him for next 26 years. Through this he became an inspiration of perseverance to all he met.

He met the love of his life, Clydia Birdsall (née Whitton) while in the military on a blind date. They married nine months later, on April 5, 1957, and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his wife Clydia Whitton Birdsall; their three children, Gary Birdsall and wife, Sharon, Karen McMullen and husband, Paul, and Eric Birdsall and wife, Laura; as well as seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was most affectionately known as Poppop to his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He enjoyed playing and watching tennis. He was an ardent supporter of the Green Bay Packers. However, he most enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, encouraging them in their various pursuits. He was a devoted Christian and has been a member of the Woodway Methodist Church since 1986. His life and faith were marked by humility, generosity, and integrity.

Pallbearers at the service are his five grandsons, Christopher McMullen, Matthew McMullen, Colton Glaser, Jeremy Dutcher, Rylie Earnest, and his best friend Ged Collins.

A special thanks to Bob’s caregivers: Tonya Franklin, Steve Voiles, and Randy Misenheimer.

Memorials may be made to Woodway Methodist or your favorite charity.