Willard Dean Bird

Willard Dean Bird began his journey in life on December 22, 1960 in Tahlequah, OK, the son of Jay Dee and Laura (Whaler) Bird. He attended Skelly Elementary School in Chewey and was a graduate of Westville High School. A Jack many trades, he worked various odd jobs throughout his life.

In his early 20s, he met the love of his life and best friend, Reba Hastings and the two were joined in marriage on April 20, 1984. Together, they were blessed with a large household of nine children and shared over 38 years of laughter, love and countless memories. They would seize any chance for a road trips and never passed up a good thrift store. If he wasn’t scrolling Facebook, he had his eyes on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for a must-have deal. Willard was an avid car fan and was always tinkering around on his old chevy pickup truck. During his younger years, he liked to do a bit of bull riding, before retiring to cheering from the stands. His favorite sport was football, especially if his beloved OU Sooners or Dallas Cowboys were playing. If there was a hog meat dinner or frybread cooking, he was there. There wasn’t much better to Willard than a good ol’ bologna sandwich on light bread with potato chips and a “Bepsi”. However, two things he loved most of all was the Lord and his family. He was so proud of his grands and great-grands. Whether taking them on fishing trips or just hanging around the house, they just enjoyed time with Grandpa. There wasn’t a moment he wasn’t joking and sporting the biggest smile. A Christian by faith, he was a member of the Illinois River Baptist Church. The Lord called him home on Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Tulsa, OK at the age of 64 years old. The joy and laughter he brought to those around him will carry on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Reba Bird, daughter, Kristie Sands and parents, Jay and Laura Bird.

Those left to remember him include his four sons, Brent “Bud” Sands and Paula of Tahlequah, OK, Byron Sands and wife Brendon of Chewey, OK, Donnie Bird and wife Kim Stout of Chewey, OK and Chandler Sands of Tahlequah, OK, four daughters, Kendra Mitchell of Chewey, OK, Stephanie Womack and husband Kevin of Westville, OK, Deanna Bird companion Stephen Golden of Watts, OK and Narcie Bird of Chewey, OK. He also leaves his brother, Joe Bird of Chewey, OK and one brother-in-law, Leo Youngpuppy of Watts, OK, along with 32 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to mention.

A time of visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 2:00pm until 6:00pm at Reed-Culver Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Willard will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Illinois River Baptist Church with Pastor James Wilkerson officiating and obituary reading by Brother Leon Bird. He will be laid to rest at Thompson Cemetery beside his wife and daughter.

Pallbearers for Willard include Clayton Mitchell, Aaron Mitchell, Cole Womack, Donavon Bird, Byron Sands Jr. and Dason Sands. Honorary pallbearers are Kevin Womack, Alex Womack, Robert Downing, Nathan McCullough and Leo Youngpuppy.