of Benton, AR
October 18, 1950 - August 31, 2015
Donald Earl Birdsong, age 64, of Benton, passed away Monday, August 31, 2015 at Saline Memorial Hospital. He was born October 18, 1950 in Newport, AR to the late Earl and Opal Birdsong. He was a proud Eagle Scout and a member of Park Place Baptist Church in Bryant, AR. He was a US Army Veteran having served as a Drill Sgt. He enjoyed his dogs and fishing when able.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Pat Duncan, and a nephew, Bill Duncan.
Mr. Birdsong obtained his BA in Criminal Justice/Political Science from UALR in 1992, a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, and a Certificate of Corrections from the National Institute of Corrections. He was chosen as Trooper of the Year in 1987 and received the highest honor of Trooper's Cross for Valor in 2009.
He served with both the Little Rock Police Department and the Arkansas State Police Department where he was Assistant to the Arkansas State Police CID Public Information Officer and was Arkansas Deputy Drug Director. During his time with the ASP, he was assigned to the State Homeland Security Taskforce and served as Commander of the State Police Hostage Negotiation Team.
He was the Security Director for the Clinton Presidential Library and served as an instructor for ITT Technical Institute. His most recent tenure was with the Saline County Sheriff's Office where he retired as Chief Deputy.
Survivors include his wife of over twenty-four years, Lee Birdsong; two children, Brian Birdsong and wife, Sissy of Bryant and Cindy Russenberger and husband, Doug of Sherwood, and seven grandchildren, Bo, Preston, and Brynlie Birdsong, Zach and Jake Russenberger, and Reagan and Drew Martin.
Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 4, 2015 in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (501-315-4047) with Pastor Greg Kirksey officiating.
Visitation will be Friday morning from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Saline County Humane Society, P.O. Box 305, Benton, AR 72018.
May "the God of all comfort" be with you today and in the days ahead. Psalm 83:18; 2 Corinthians 1: 3,4; John 5: 28,29
Knew Don when I work at ASP, he was a true professional highly skilled law officer.
Lee and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, and we have fond memories of being neighbors and friends once upon a time.
Love,
Sandy and Charlie Brown
Don was one of the finest policemen and men that I have ever had the pleasure to work with. He could always be counted on for being top ot the line for anything he did. I haven't seen him for a couple of years and was shocked when I heard just a few moments ago of his death. May he rest in peace and know that his job on earth was well done and completed.
I worked with Don and the ASP Negotiation Team. He worked hard getting the team started. I am sorry for you loss.
Praying for your family.
Form one Police Officer to another rest in peace my brother.
I worked with Don when he was with the ASP. He was a good friend and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
I have heard stories over the years of Don and my husband, Mike, during their narcotic working days. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Uncle Don was a wonderful man. I know he will be missed.
To the family of Don Birdsong. Don and I have been friends since the mid 70's. It is with great sadness that we hear of his passing into eternity. May the peace of God be with family and friends during these difficult times... BJ Johnson ret cpl. Arkansas state Police
Don and I worked in Law Enforcement in different agencies throughout our careers. He was always a good source of help in any case and was a great man to work with and fun to be around. To his family we are very sorry at his loss but he is in a place now where he will never suffer and you will meet him again someday. He very truly will be missed and our prayers go out to his family for that loss but always remember the good times shared together. May GOD be with you.