Truman Birk

Truman M. Birk, 86, of Jackson passed away Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Dec. 21, 1926, in Tilsit, son of Oscar A. and O'Linda Best Birk. He and Shirley Ann Petzoldt were married Feb. 5, 1955, at St. John Evangelical Church in Fruitland.

Truman was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church since he and Shirley joined in 1961. He was employed by Wagner Manufacturing in the early 1950s. He was a lifetime member of Egypt Mills Antique Tractor Club. He served on the Farm Bureau Board and MFA Board. He was a former member of the Black Angus Association and Pork Producers.

Truman spent his entire life enjoying livestock and grain farming. He also did custom work for many area farmers. Farming wasn't only his livelihood but also his passion. He enjoyed the great outdoors, hunting, fishing, and even dancing. He had a great love for his family and many friends.

In addition to his loving wife of 57 years, he is survived by four children, Brad (Saundra) Birk of Jackson, DeWayne (Susan) Birk of Burfordville, Verla (Kenneth) Carr and Sheila (Rodney) Pease of Jackson; two brothers, Clement (Irene) Birk of Chesterfield, Mo., and Norman (Doris) Birk of Jackson; a sister, Francis Cobble of Arnold, Mo.; a brother-in-law, Leonard Koenig of Jackson; seven grandchildren, Michelle (Brent) Lichtenegger, Marcus (Kelli) Birk, Derek (Angela) Birk, Amanda (Adam) Walter, Shelby and Skylar Pease and Sean Carr; seven great-grandchildren, Kaleb Kiefer, Garrett and Hannah Lichtenegger, Cole and Clayton Birk, Aden and Austin Walter.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Alene Koenig; and a brother-in-law, James Cobble.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Robert Henrichs officiating. Interment will be in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to St. Paul Lutheran Church or the American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.