Thomas Edward Birdsall

Thomas Edward Birdsall was born February 1, 1927 in Hastings, Michigan and passed away on September 16, 2014 in San Antonio, TX. He left high school at 17 to join the Navy. He served on board the USS General Mann in the Pacific Theater during World War II. A highlight of his Navy service was sailing into the Port of Seattle in November 1945 with the first U.S. troops to return home from the Pacific theater after the war ended. After he completed his Navy service, he returned home to Hastings and finished high school. He married Nell Moylan in 1950. They would have celebrated their 64th anniversary on September 30th. He decided that he wanted a military career and enlisted in the Army. He was a career military man, serving for 22 years. His military occupational specialty was medical supply. During his career, he served at various US locations and in Korea and Vietnam. He retired from the Army in 1970 with the rank of Master Sergeant. He and Nell settled in San Antonio as permanent residents. After retiring from the military, he worked for Santa Rosa Hospital and Park North Hospital in San Antonio, and also was a manager at Sutton Place Townhomes. In retirement, his hobbies were painting ceramics, bird watching, and emailing friends and family. "Duty, Honor, Country" were more than just words to him, they were the code by which he lived his life. In retirement, he was a quiet man, preferring to be at home with Nell. He loved visits from family and friends, especially friends from military days.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents: Howard D Birdsall, Vieva (Freshney) Birdsall and his sister: Norine Tester of North Carolina. He is survived by his wife, Nellie Birdsall; daughters: Sister Anthony (Pam) Birdsall of Albuquerque, New Mexico Sandra Gearhart of Colorado Springs, Colorado Candy Segovia (and husband David) of Kirby, Texas; Grandchildren: Kristen Gearhart, Christian Thomas Segovia; Aunt: Dorothy Lou Corson of Michigan Cousin: Linda Ballast of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 25, 2014 from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at 11:15 a.m. on Friday, September 26, 2014, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.