John BirdenoHutchinson, KS

John Birdeno, age 85, of Buhler, passed away March 20, 2026, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. He was born November 9, 1940, at Columbia Hospital overlooking the Columbia River, in Astoria, Oregon.

John spent his childhood in Astoria with his siblings, Kevin, Joel, Lynn, and Kent, and graduated from Astoria High School in 1959. Following his discharge from the United States Army in 1965, John worked at the Bumble Bee Tuna Cannery in Astoria. The following year, he briefly pursued motorcycle flat-track racing and went on to enjoy off-road motorcycling for many years.

John worked as a logger in Oregon for much of his life. In 1975, he discovered an abandoned steam donkey in the Tillamook forest, an experience that led to his feature in the book, “In Search of the Steam Donkeys” by Merv Johnson.

John’s passion for the Old West began with cowboy presentations he gave to grade school students in Astoria. Inspired by the silver screen cowboys John admired growing up, this interest grew into a lifelong pursuit. Over the years, he built an impressive cowboy collection, which was displayed in several locations in Kansas. For many years, it was featured at the Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper as part of their museum, and later became the Silver Screen Cowboy Museum near Bentley, Kansas.

Those who knew John well recognized his deep love for animals and wildlife. He cherished the many dogs he had over the years and, later in life, took great care of his cats. If you spent any time visiting with John, chances are you would hear a story or two—including his memorable Bigfoot sightings from childhood camping trips.

John married Twila Birdeno on September 22, 2001, at First Baptist Church in Hutchinson. Together, they enjoyed camping with the Sunflower Ramblers Camping Club at locations across Kansas.  John was known as a gifted storyteller with a warm sense of humor. He loved visiting with others, sharing his interest in history, and, in later years, spending time over coffee with friends. John also took great joy in painting duck decoys, which he often gave as gifts to family and friends. John will be remembered by family and friends as adventurous and a great storyteller.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Kevin.

John is survived by his wife, Twila Birdeno; siblings, Greg Birdeno, Lynn Chopping, Kent Birdeno; sons, Richard Edwards, Peter Birdeno (Jeannie), Thomas Birdeno; and his grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be 10 a.m. Monday, March 30, 2026, at Countryside Baptist Church, 819 W. 30th Ave, Hutchinson, with Reverend Dr. Dan Price officiating. Burial will follow in Buhler Municipal Cemetery East, with military honors presented by Kansas Army National Guard Honor Guard.

The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed here: https://www.cbchutch.com/facebook-feed/

Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday thru Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorial donations may be made to Delos V. Smith Senior Citizens Center, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.