John "Rick" Birt

John “Rick” R Birt, 72, of Seymour, TN, formerly of Rantoul, IL, went to his Heavenly Home on the morning of Thursday, August 10, 2023 at his home.

He was born February 3, 1951 at Mercy Hospital, Urbana, IL , a son of Harry R and Barbara Jean (Peters) Birt.  He married Cindy S. McQueen on June 3, 1972 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Champaign, IL.  She survives.

Also surviving are a son, Josh R (Danielle) Birt of Seymour, TN, a step-mother Susie Birt of Decatur, IL, a step-father Oris Ward of Champaign, a granddaughter Emmerson “Emmy” Hjort of Rantoul, 6 sisters, Sharion (Charles) Paris of Foosland, IL; Pat (Russ) Malloch of Mahomet, IL; Lorri (Stewart) Conn of Mechanicsburg, IL; Mary (Chuck) Evans of Urbana, IL; Mindy Rife of Mahomet; Cheryl (Gordon) Wells of Tallula, IL, a brother Carl Smithpeters of Forest City, IL and 17 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Penny McKinney and a brother James Ward.

Rick was a graduate of Champaign Central High School class of 1969.  He worked for the City of Champaign for 35 years in public works.  He was a member of the River Valley Church of Christ, Fisher, IL and Seymour Heights Christian Church, Seymour TN where he was often involved in mowing, tree trimming and some painting.  Always an outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday, August 19 at the River Valley Church of Christ, Fisher.  Rev. Jonathan Scott will officiate.  Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana.

Visitation will be at the church from 10:30 to noon on Saturday.

Memorials may be made to the Special Olympics, River Valley Church or the Kidney Foundation.

Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul is handling the arrangements.