Maurice ‘Ted’ Bird, 96, passed away surrounded by his family Jan. 11, 2026, at his lifetime farm home in rural Albert, Kan. He was born on Aug. 17, 1929, in Independence, Kan., to Harry and Ruth (Buckles) Bird. On Oct. 15, 1961, he married Ingrid Neumann, of Hamburg, Germany, at First United Methodist Church, Great Bend.

Ted was a lifetime resident of rural Albert, growing up on the family farm that he loved so dearly. He graduated from Great Bend High School in 1947, and later from Kansas State University in 1951. Ted proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Lake Barton Golf Course. Ted was an avid fan of all sports but held a true love and fondness for the game of golf. He had golfed at many superb courses across the country, crossing them off his bucket list with his children and golf buddies. Above all, Ted cherished time spent with his friends and family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Ingrid, of the home; two sons, Thomas Bird and wife Gah of Larkspur, Colo., and Stefan Bird and wife Valerie of Portland, Ore.; daughter, Carolyn Bird of Morgan Hill, Calif.; four grandchildren, Sam Bird, Zach Bird and his wife Kelsey, Nicholas Bird, and Anna Bird; twin great grandchildren to arrive in March; and a brother in law Jerre McClelland of Sacramento, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Daniel Keith Bird, Homer Lynn Bird, twin Max Bird; and two sisters, Jean Kay McClelland and Patricia Kathleen Metcalfe.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Rev. James Strasen presiding. Inurnment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park, with Military Honors conducted by the Marine Honor Guard. Visitation will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, with family receiving guests from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been designated to Trinity Lutheran Church in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Rd.

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 15, 2026