Chad Ryan Birk, 22 years and 5 months, of Jackson was called to his heavenly home Tuesday, March 25, 2003. He died peacefully at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, surrounded by family and friends. He fought courageously through the end.

Friends may call Friday, March 28, from 4 to 8 p.m. at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson, and Saturday, March 29, after 10 a.m. at Zion United Methodist Church in Gordonville.

Funeral service will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at the church. A graveside committal and a balloon release will follow in the church cemetery.

Chad was born Oct. 25, 1980, in Cape Girardeau, son of Terry and Donna Meyers Birk. He was baptized and professed his faith through confirmation at Zion Church April 4, 1993. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1999.

Loving survivors include his parents; brothers, Josh and Clay; paternal grandparents, Glen and Alice Birk; maternal grandparents, Don and Betty Meyers, all of Jackson.

Loving uncles and aunts are Ralph and Diane Birk, Kelvin and Marsha Birk, Dale and Teresa Birk, all of Jackson; and Dennis and Launa Rae Meyers of Denver, Colo. Chad was also blessed with loving cousins, Eric and Heather Birk, Kelsie and Adam Birk, Austin Birk, Denny and Bridgett Meyers. Closest friends, among the many, include Kelly Parres, Gabe Estes, Judd Hagans, Matt Zschille, and Jacob Beine.

Chad was truly heaven's special child. He was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at age 7. Together, he and his family faced and overcame the ongoing challenges of the disease. Admired and respected by all for his tremendous courage and mental strength, Chad was a former Goodwill Ambassador of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Chad assisted his mother with her home-based business, Treasures of the Heart Gift Collections, by doing the bookkeeping, printing, and digital scans. Extremely close to his younger brothers, Josh (21), and Clay (9), they enjoyed playing games together and shared all activities as a family. Chad particularly enjoyed attending their ballgames and sporting events.

They looked up to him and treasured their brotherly bond, as he did them. He also gave special guidance to his cousin, Denny, who lives with the family.

Chad was a role model for all who knew him. He enjoyed school and achieved academic recognition, graduating in the top 10 percent of his class. He was invited to participate in "Just Say No," a school program to speak with younger students about life issues. He was a leader among his peers.

Chad was the ultimate sports enthusiast who lived for the love of the game. His daily online reading and broadcast games produced a wealth of knowledge and trivia. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoyed attending games at Busch Stadium. He also followed the St. Louis Rams and had the privilege of attending a few games at the TWA Dome. His most recent interest was professional bull riders. He and his family attended the PBR event in St. Louis Feb. 23, and he requested that family and friends watch the April 19 PBR event.

Chad's other hobbies included the internet, Nintendo, movies, and country music. He had the joy of attending the Toby Keith/Rascal Flats concert Sunday, March 9. He had attended many other concerts and events in the past, however, this was his final outing with his family.

Chad is forever young, walking with the other angels in heaven.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Zion United Methodist Church.