Gerald "Birdie" Segrest

Gerald Wayne Segrest was born May 29, 1951 in Wharton, TX to Guy and Dorothy Segrest. He was the third of four boys. He spent his formative years in Wharton, TX and graduated from Wharton High School in 1970. In his college years, he filled his summers with excitement by working as a resort magician in New Hampshire and on a tug boat along the Texas Gulf Coast.

He married Belinda Rook on January 13, 1978. She was the love of his life. By always opening doors, sending flowers for every occasion and writing cards 'just because', he was a true gentleman. His children, a son, Kris Segrest and, a daughter, Gina Segrest Cooper, both pursued roles in ministry because of his constant encouragement and steadfast prayers.

He lived most of his adult life in Sherman, TX where he had many friends and worked for a season with his father-in-law, Culas Rook, at Rook Radiator repair. Birdie, as his friends knew him, considered Mr. Rook a second father. In his years in Sherman, he was blessed to be a part of the First Baptist Church. One of his joys was to drive the church bus to pick-up senior adults, a ministry he began at FBC Sherman and served in for 16 years. He loved this group of senior adults and they loved him. About three years ago, he and his wife relocated to Wylie, TX to be closer to family. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wylie.

Professionally, Birdie worked for the Western Company of North America, earned a Secretary of Transportation Outstanding Achievement Award with Tri-State Semi-Driver Training and eventually retired from Texas Instruments. However, his real love was his second career as a professional, faith-based Santa Claus. Donned with a custom suit, boots, hat, and toy bag, he made many a Christmas special by telling the story of "Santa and the Christ Child" for children. Being a great storyteller and a bit of a ham, he loved to play the role of Santa at schools, hospitals and homes of families that affectionately referred to him as 'their Santa'.

Birdie went to be with the Lord on October 16, 2017, after a long battle with diabetes. He endured much in the last years, but was always quick to have a big smile and a warm greeting for anyone he met. He never met a stranger. His joy was an overflow of his relationship with Jesus Christ.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Segrest, his father, Guy Segrest and a brother, Gaylan Segrest. He is survived by his wife, Belinda Rook Segrest of Wylie, TX. His son and daughter-in-law, Kris and Amy Segrest of Wylie, TX. His daughter and son-in-law, Gina and Daniel Cooper of Rockwall, TX. His brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Jan Segrest of Hot Springs, AR. His brother and sister-in-law, Grayson and Mariel Segrest of Houston, TX. His sister-in-law, Diane Segrest of East Bernard, TX.  His legacy will live on in four grandchildren—Rook Segrest, Molly Segrest, Ruthie Cooper and Lucy Cooper. Also, he will be missed by many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 19 th at 3 PM at First Baptist Church of Wylie, TX. His son, Kris Segrest, Pastor of First Baptist Wylie, will officiate.  His daughter, Gina Cooper, Worship Leader of First Baptist Wylie, will lead the service in worship.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in Birdie's memory be made to the First Baptist Wylie Missions Fund, located at the following link: www.fbw.church/give/