William J. Birkett, age 97, May 4, 1923 - December 23, 2020, Beloved husband of the late Edna Belle Birkett (nee Spencer). Loving father of Tom (Kaye) Birkett and Cathy (Dale) Nordgaarden. Devoted grandfather of Shaun (Gail) Nordgaarden, Cari (Matt) Chandler, Chris (Kristina) Birkett, Alex Birkett and great grandfather of Chase, Parker, Emma, Jeremiah, Micah, Charlie and Samantha. Our dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, friend and neighbor. Bill loved deeply. He was a smile maker. He did not know a stranger. If you knew him, your heart smiled and knew you were the most important person in the world. He was thankful and he was content. At age 97, he was also tired and ready to go home for Christmas. From his own home and a brief hospital visit, he spread his testimony even more. He is now truly home, just in time to celebrate his Lord and Savior Jesus, face to glorious face. Bill said always "I'll be fine", and he cared much more about you. He would want to know today "Are you okay?" And we know, we will be ok because we had the gift of spending time with Bill. Bill served in the Army during World War II and was a retired Civil Service worker. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Salvation Army. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, January 9, 2021 11:00am at the Calvary Chapel of St. Louis County, 400 Midland Ave. Maryland Hts., MO 63043. The celebration will be live streamed at; https://www.facebook.com/CalvaryChapelOfStLouisCounty/live/ Private family interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with Full Military Honors Tributes may be made at www.jaybsmith.com