A private family service was held at Crestwood Chapel, for Mr. Welton Birdwell ,age 84, of Southside, who died Wednesday. Brother Lauill Thompson officiated. Burial was in Crestwood Cemetery.

He'll be remembered as a hard worker, eventually retiring from Goodyear where he started in Gadsden in 1957.His career took him to Houston Texas, St. Mary's Ohio, Logan Ohio, Fayetteville North Carolina and Akron Ohio. He was a Christian and served as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher and any other church job that was needed. He was a kind, caring, generous man and a loving husband, father, and friend to all and will be dearly missed.

He is preceded in death by daughter Karen Denise, and parents Verlon and Gertrude Birdwell. He is survived by wife of 64 years Gail, sons Stephen and Kenneth and daughter Kelly (Greg) Elliott.

Special thanks to caregivers Gerri Copeland. Special thanks are also given to the staff at Gadsden Regional Hospital, Encompass Home Health Care and especially to Jennifer, his home care nurse, and Dr. Sathyan Iyer, his longtime family Physician.

In Lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to Southside Baptist Church.