Allen Ray Birdwell

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Allen Birdwell, Certified Public Accountant, cherished parent, and resilient soul.  Allen departed this life on December 13, 2023 in Graham Texas, leaving a legacy marked by dedication and love written in the hearts of his family, friends, and clients.

Allen Ray Birdwell was born March 28, 1945 to Willmina Smith Birdwell and Weldon Leon Birdwell in Bonham, Texas.  Allen is survived by his two brothers, Weldon Birdwell, Jr. and wife, Linda, and brother David Birdwell and wife, Cheryl.  He was proceeded in death by his parents and his sister, Billie Appleby.

Allen grew up in Stephenville, Texas.  He attended Midwestern State University earning a BBA with major in accounting.  He was a Sigma Nu fraternity member (pin #3) and an ROTC cadet. Allen attained First Lieutenant rank in the US Army Accounting and Finance Corp during Vietnam, and served in the Army reserve for six years. He left the Army but the Army never left him.

Allen navigated life with an unwavering commitment to professionalism and an astute financial acumen that earned the respect of peers and clients alike.  He was an accomplished CPA and a partner in Birdwell, Quinn & Co., P. C. serving clients in Graham, Jacksboro, Bowie, Henrietta, and Olney offices.  He held memberships in AICPA, TBCPA, and TSCPA. His clients became his lifelong friends. On December 10, 2022 Allen received the honorable 50-year service award from the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants in Austin, Texas.  He was a distinguished professional in the accounting community, contributing his expertise and integrity in every endeavor.

Allen was a devoted spouse and dedicated parent.  Allen and Sandra married May 3, 1986, uniting five children into a large, loving family.  Allen had two children. Jeffrey Birdwell and wife, Dianna, and Jennifer Phillips and husband, Michael.  He gained three children through marriage which he raised as his own:  Joe Gage, Jr.  and wife, Leann, Guy Gage and wife, Dawna, Blake Gage and wife, Stacy.  Allen was blessed with 14 grandchildren:  Justin and wife Jessica, Weslee, Jaci, Payton, Eva, Joe III, Brynn, Anna Kate, Owen, Thomas, James, Lottie, Annabell, Brady, and great grandson Alan James. He loved his family and was a devoted provider.  Allen’s large family is a living legacy of his commitment to family, faith and love.

Beyond his professional achievements, Allen served in community organizations in Graham and Jacksboro, hospital boards, banking institutions, officer of Rotary Club of Graham, and outstanding Jaycee.  He was a Deacon in the Parish of Jacksboro, and member of First Baptist Church Graham, where he taught Sunday school and served on the finance committee at Westlake Chapel. He will be remembered for the generosity and guidance he gave to the lives he touched.

Allen spent his pastime as a horseman, rancher and sportsman.  He raised and showed cutting horses and was a member of American Quarter Horse Association and National Cutting Horse Association. He golfed, competitively raced Hobie Cat watercraft, and enjoyed boating and fishing. He fed cattle, plowed and planted the land. His favorite place to visit was South Padre Island. He lived at Possum Kingdom Lake. We cherish the legacy of life, love, faith and family that Allen gave us.  We celebrate a life well-lived.  And we are comforted because Allen is now at rest with His Savior.  A celebration of life will be held Friday, December 22, 2023 at 2 p.m. in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to PKWSV Fire Department.