Louis Birkman

Louis "J.R." Birkman, 95, of Cape Girardeau, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Fountainbleau Lodge.

Louis was born June 15, 1928, in Laflin to Louis F. and Lillian G. Huffman Birkman.

He married Thelma Helton in December 1949. He later married Lillian Hill, and they enjoyed more than 25 years together until her passing in 2016. From his first union, he was blessed with a daughter, who he raised as a single dad with help from his mother.

Louis was truck driver. He was a member of Whitewater No. 417 Masonic Lodge and was a 32nd-Degree Mason Scottish Rite for 50-plus years.

Survivors include his daughter, Sandy (Chuck) Ortiz of Cape Girardeau; granddaughters, Tracy Brooks, Stacy Bates and Maria Hicky; grandson, Charlie Ortiz; and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Louis was preceded in death by his father, Louis F. Birkman; mother, Lillian G. Birkman; and wife, Lillian Hill.

A private service with burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum in Cape Girardeau.

Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.