Morris Barry Birdwell, 78, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, in Pleasanton, TX, following complications of a stroke and meningitis. Born January 20, 1947, at Nix Hospital in San Antonio, he grew up in La Parita, graduated from Jourdanton High School, and attended Southwest Texas College and Texas Tech University.  Morris served as tool room manager at San Miguel Electric Co-op for many years, retiring in 2007.  In his spare moments, he tended to his ranch and worked on carpentry projects, notably building his home from the ground up.  He enjoyed discussing history, politics, and nature, while enjoying the company of his wife, Mary, and his favorite dog, Molly.  A stoic man with a dry wit, Morris also loved a good prank.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Mary Ellen (Nelson) of Jourdanton; daughter Miriam Christine Birdwell of the Washington, D.C. area; son Jack Everett Birdwell, his wife Kate (Oczkowski), and their daughters, Lila and Logan, of the Chicago area; sister Patsy Baggerly of La Parita; sister Gayle Miller and her husband Johnny of Robstown; sister-in-law Carol Ann (Nelson) Christopher of San Antonio; brother-in-law Gary Lee Williams and wife Cathy of Orland, IN; sister-in-law Carol Janet (Williams) Walter of Bloomington, IN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ruth (Rothenberg) Birdwell of La Parita; brother Dudley Birdwell of Dallas; brother-in-law Floyd Baggerly of La Parita; brother-in-law Mike Christopher of San Antonio; and David Walter of Bloomington, IN.

Join us to celebrate Morris's life at Hurley Funeral Home in Pleasanton on June 14, 2025.  Visitation is at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.  The graveside service will be held at St. John Lutheran Cemetery, one mile north of Jourdanton.  He will be profoundly missed.