John Robert Birdwell

John Robert Birdwell, age 64, of Newport, died, Tuesday, January 2, 2007, after a courageous year-long battle against cancer. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends. John was born November 30 1942, in Cookeville, TN. He graduated from Cookeville High School and joined the U. S. Army in 1960. After an honorable discharge, John worked with the National Security Agency in Washington, D.C., then moved to Maryville, TN, in 1967. John had a 25 year career as an insurance agent for Colonial Life. John raised his family and spent most of his life in Maryville, where he was a member and deacon at the Maryville Church of Christ. After returning to Cookeville, TN, he married Jeanne Yater Wilson in 1999 and lived the last years of his life in Cookeville and Newport, where he was active in his community which he felt was the "best kept secret in Tennessee" because of its beauty and wonderful people. He was named Citizen of the Year in 2004 by the Newport/Cocke County Chamber of Commerce. He and Jeanne were members of Cookeville United Methodist and moved their membership to the First United Methodist Church in Newport. John was preceded in death by his parents, Leanon J. and Mary Watson Birdwell; sister, Janice Birdwell Jackson; brother, Alan Birdwell; nephew, Jeff Jackson ; and special cousin Jim Ragland. He is survived by his wife , Jeanne Birdwell; daughters, Lori Skaggs and husband Brad of Knoxville, Pam Cook and husband Tony of Lavergne, TN; grandchildren, Cole and Caroline Skaggs and Sarah and Carter Cook; sister, Patsy Standifer of Cookeville; aunt, Emma Featherston of Crossville; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of John's life will be held in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church 212 Washington Ave., Newport, TN on Saturday, January 6, 2007 at 2:00 pm, with burial to follow in Union Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the chapel of First United Methodist Church from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon eastern standard time on Saturday, January 6, 2007. Memorials may be made to St. Judes Children Research Hospital. Manes Funeral Home, 363 East Main Street, Newport, TN. 37821, in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the guest register on line at: www.manesfuneralhome.com.

John Robert Birdwell

November 30, 1942 - January 2, 2007