Ershel Bird, age 90, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024, in Lubbock. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Anton First Baptist Church. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Resthaven Cemetery in Lubbock. Arrangements are under the personal care of Moore-Rose Funeral Home.
Ershel Van Bird was born on August 26, 1933, in O’Brien, Texas to Everett and Elizabeth (Nicholson) Bird. After living in Lamesa and Sweetwater, the family settled in Dumas in 1943. After graduating, Ershel attended Wayland Baptist University. He honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1950-1953. Ershel married Betty Jo (Davenport) Bird on June 23, 1955, in Clarksville, Tennessee. After serving his country, he later graduated from Union University in Jackson, TN obtaining his BA degree and then his MA at Clarksville, TN while teaching 6th grade. Ershel then taught 6th grade for 14 years in Lubbock until 1973. They moved to Anton where he served as the elementary principal for 17 years, retiring in 1990. After retiring, he evaluated teachers across Texas and assisted with the operation of the Iglesia Bautista Mission along with serving as a deacon, treasurer and member of the First Baptist Church of Anton.