Robert Paul Birdwell was born Nov. 9, 1935, in Hammon, to Ruby Pickett (Wofford) and Samuel Robert Birdwell. He passed away July 6, 2019, at Clinton, at the age of 83 years, seven months and 27 days.
Paul grew up in Butler where he attended school graduating in 1954. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Victoria, Texas, at the 450th TAC Hospital where he worked in the medication dispensary. In December 1957 he received an honorable discharge with the Good Conduct Medal.
Paul was later married to Shirley Jean (Morris) Birdwell on June 24, 1958, at Sayre. After their marriage they lived in Sayre for a short period of time before moving to Pampa, Texas, where Paul worked at the asphalt mill. In late 1958 Paul decided he wanted to attend college, so together he and Shirley moved to Weatherford, where he received his bachelors degree in education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
Paul began his teaching career in Binger, where he taught industrial arts for five years. They later moved to Burns Flat, where he taught the same class for seven years. During this time Paul began working on his master’s degree obtaining his degree in 1976. It was at that time that Burns Flat made him high school principal where he spent the next 23 years serving until his retirement in 1998. After his retirement they remained in Burns Flat and he enjoyed working in his yard, camping, golfing, carpentry and spending time with his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, T.M. and Frank Birdwell; and two sisters, Freelin Doak and Edna Jo Bowen.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of the home; two children, Bobby Birdwell and wife Jill of Burns Flat and Regina Birdwell of Burns Flat, three grandchildren, Megan Britton and husband Danny of Burns Flat, Jake Birdwell of Burns Flat, and Katie Birdwell of Burns Flat; two great grandchildren, Bryler Britton and Zala Blackburn; brother, Vernon Birdwell and wife Bobbie of Yukon; two sisters-in-law, Joyce Birdwell and Nina Jackson, both of Weatherford; and a host of other relatives and friends.
The family will greet friends at Whinery Funeral Service on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Services will be held Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at Lemke Gymnasium officiated by Carl Thionett and Don Greteman. Arrangements are under the direction of Whinery Funeral Service and condolences can be made online at www.whineryfs.com. The family suggest in lieu of flowers memorial donations be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association at 2123 N. Classen Blvd., OKC, OK 73106 or www.alz.org/oklahoma.