Ch Col Collum "Dee" Birdwell Ret.

Mr. Birdwell was a retired Chaplain serving in the United States Air Force. He was called in to the ministry at the age of 22; he served the Lord for over 60 years as a Chaplain and pastoring churches in Arkansas, Indiana, and Tennessee. Col. Birdwell enjoyed hunting, traveling, and had never met a stranger. He loved his family and was a true patriot.

He was preceded in death by his parents; John C. and Charlcye E., nee Bell, Birdwell, a sister, Helen Colette Foster, a brother, Robert D. Birdwell, a brother in infancy, John Charles Birdwell, and two grandsons; John Robert Birdwell and Ethan Wyatt Ishmael.

Surviving are his wife; Roberta Birdwell, nee Andrews, a son, John C. (Janie) Birdwell of Franklin, Tennessee, a daughter, Robin (Tommy) Ishmael of Collinsville, Illinois, grandchildren; Joshua, Jackson, and Jordan Birdwell, Morgan Ishmael, Aja (Rachid) Chaker, Carmen Ishmael, Tristen Ishmael, Nick (Dani) Ishmael, Lilly Ishmael, and Riker Ishmael, great grandchildren; Jude Birdwell, Massin Chaker and Kella Chaker, a sister-in-law, Betty Birdwell, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorials are appreciated to the Global Mission Fund at First Baptist Church of Maryville, Illinois and the scholarship fund at Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

Visitation: Friends may call from 2-3pm, Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at First Baptist Church, Maryville, Illinois.

Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 3pm, Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at First Baptist Church, Maryville, Illinois with Rev. Tim Lawson officiating. Interment will be in Fort Smith National Cemetery, Fort Smith, Arkansas.