Memorial

Thomas G. Birr, 82, of Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, July 17, 2016 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. Funeral Service: 11:00 am Thursday, July 21, 2016 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories with visitation one hour prior to service. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors.

Survivors include his two sons, Jeff Birr of Mt. Vernon, John (Vickie) Birr of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; two daughters, Julia O’Niell of Tamarac, FL, Kim Birr of Cedar Rapids; four grandchildren, Miranda McAuliffe, Catherin (Roger) Pittman, Andrew Birr, Kim Birr; three great-grandchildren, Juliana Bascom, Gabriella Pittman, Tristin Pittman; sister, Pat Lopez; brother, Jim Birr, and many loving and loved relatives through his marriage to Joan.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and siblings. 

Born September 2, 1933, the son of Clarence and Cora (Bassett) Birr, in Racine, Wisconsin, he arrived in Cedar Rapids in 1948. After graduation from Coe College, he married Joan Masek on September 2, 1955. Then they went off to pilot training. During his twenty-seven year Air Force career, he served as Instructor Pilot and Command Pilot in various transport and training aircraft, including single engine jets. Multiple assignments in the education career field allowed him to teach in the classroom as well as in the cockpit. Faculty positions included The Air War College and the Air Force Special Operations School. His combat duty, in 1964-1965, included several hundred assault transport missions in Vietnam, earning him The Air Medal, with eight Oak Leaf Clusters and other medals. A second career led him to Boca Raton, Florida in 1981, where he served on the staff of a Spanish River Church and Christian School to oversee the initial phases of a 20 acre expansion program. Returning to Cedar Rapids in 1988, he joined and then he and his wife, Joan, acquired ownership of Preferred Property Management. 

Being spiritually reborn at age 40, Tom knew the special Joy that is experienced when we return to God and receive His Grace in spite of our sins. Tom is with his Savior and Lord now, but we miss him. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lord’s work where you worship, or where you now will begin to worship.