John Steven Hird

John Steven Hird, 63, went to be with the Lord on March 14, 2026, in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was a resident of Yorkville, Illinois.

John was born on July 23, 1962, in Syracuse, New York, to John “Jack” Meek Hird and Karen Estelle (Ryty) Hird. He graduated summa cum laude from the Colorado School of Mines in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering. During his time there, he pitched for the Orediggers baseball team. He went on to build a dedicated and accomplished career as a mining engineer, a profession that remained one of his greatest passions.

John was a devoted husband to his beloved wife of 15 years, Michelle Hird. He was a proud father to Jack and Jacklynn Hird, and a loving “Pops” to the children he embraced as his own: Candice and Cooper Prince (their children: Camden and Chanlie Mengele); Chealsie and Jeremy Kuhaneck (their children: Aiden, Addy, Audri, Aspen, and Atley); Charlene and Ryan Steever (their children: Ronan and Anastasia); and Charles and Rebecca Mikolajczyk III (their children: Lucy, Joshua, Josiah, Lillian, John, LeAnn, and Lizabeth). He was a cherished and deeply loved papa to his many grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sisters, Sue and Scott Hall (their children: Cameron; Chase and his wife, Hannah) and Julie and Todd Barnes (their children: Lena Rose, Jack, and Thomas), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He had a spirited, competitive nature and loved playing ping-pong, foosball, baseball, pool, and classic arcade games. He also shared his love of music with his children and grandchildren, creating lasting memories through the songs he loved.

To know John was to love him, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Heritage Baptist Church, 5217 Yorktown Blvd., Corpus Christi, Texas 78413. Services will be conducted by Pastor Johnny Chae. Viewing: 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Service: 2:00 p.m.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” — John 14:1–3 (KJV)