To request a copy of this photo for your own personal use, please contact our state coordinator. If you are not a family member or the original photographer — please refrain from copying or distributing this photo to other websites.
Thank you for visiting the Texas Gravestone Photo Project. On this site you can upload gravestone photos, locate ancestors and perform genealogy research. If you have a relative buried in Texas, we encourage you to upload a digital image using our Submit a Photo page. Contributing to this genealogy archive helps family historians and genealogy researchers locate their relatives and complete their family tree.
Submitted: 11/20/24 • Approved: 11/20/24 • Last Updated: 11/23/24 • R607071-G0-S3
October 19, 1946 - December 22, 2023
*Obituary
alltexascremation.com
In loving memory of Karl C. Bird, a man of intellect, dedication, and kindness, whose life's journey left an enduring mark on the realms of knowledge and public service. Karl was born on October 19, 1946, in Oklahoma, to Karl Mitchel Bird and Maxine Pauline Fleming Bird. He peacefully departed this world on December 22, 2023, at the age of 77.
Karl's educational odyssey was a testament to his remarkable thirst for knowledge. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma, in 1968, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of academic achievements. Subsequently, he attained his Master of Business Administration degree from East Texas State University in Texarkana in 1976, and in 1988, he achieved a Juris Doctorate with magna cum laude honors from Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio. Karl's pursuit of excellence extended to leadership programs, including the prestigious Leadership for a Democratic Society at the Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the Program for Senior Officials in National Security at Harvard University in 1991 and 1993, respectively. He further refined his skills in the Defense Leadership and Management Program in 2001 and earned a Master of Science degree in national resource strategy in 2003.
Karl's professional journey led him through Texas, Georgia, California, and Ohio, encompassing four continents and thirty-nine cities. His dedication to excellence was exemplified during his tenure as the Director of Contracting at the Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California. He played a pivotal role in shaping space programs, managing over 600 contracts valued at more than $58 billion. His influence extended beyond the office as he advised on acquisition strategy, contracting processes, and reforms, leaving an enduring impact on the defense and technology landscape.
In his last employment as the Acquisition Division Manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, Karl led a division of 250 contracting professionals, awarding over $1.2 billion for Laboratory support and major Space Flight systems. His legacy included streamlining JPL's paperless contract system, demonstrating his precision and foresight in navigating the complexities of space exploration and technology.
Beyond his professional achievements, Karl leaves behind a loving family, including his wife, Elizabeth Ellison-Bird, his brother Clarke Bird, his daughter Kimberly Bird-Peters, his son-in-law John Peters, his son Karl Mitchell Bird, daughter-in-law Katie, stepson Tyler Ellison, stepdaughters Candace Ellison and Brittany Ellison, and a lineage of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
As we bid farewell to Karl C. Bird, let us remember him for the warmth and love he brought to his family and friends, his dedication to education, and his impactful contributions to the fields of defense and technology. A Memorial Service will be held at Prestonwood Church, 6801 W Park Blvd, Plano, Texas 75093, at 10:00 am, to honor and celebrate his extraordinary life. May he rest in peace, his legacy living on in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Contributed on 11/20/24 by ashaw444
Email This Contributor
Suggest a Correction
Record #: 607071