James Donald Byrd
September 4, 1932 ~ March 23, 2013
James Donald "Don" Byrd, 80, of Jefferson City, died Saturday, March 23, 2013, at St. Mary's Health Center.
He was born on September 4, 1932, in Monroe, Georgia, the son of the late Hughlon O. and Mae Bell (Couch) Byrd.
Don was a graduate of Loganville High School and North Georgia College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration.
He was united in marriage on June 9, 1956, in Rosati, Missouri to Shirley Ann Marchi who survives at the home.
Don was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and promoted to First Lieutenant with the Unites States Army. He served as a commanding officer at Fort Leonard Wood during the Korean Conflict.
After his service in the Army, he worked in El Paso, Texas and Long Beach, California for Military Service Company.
While working for ten years at the University of Missouri Rolla computer center as a teaching assistant he earned his Masters degree in Computer Science. He also taught evening classes at the university.
In 1972, he was employed in Washington D.C. with I.A.B.S.O. Iron Workers helping to set-up their computer center and serve as director. In 1977 he returned to Jefferson City and was instrumental in starting the computer center for the Missouri Senate and served as Director until his retirement in 2001.
He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and was a faithful participant in the Perpetual Adoration for many years. He also was a member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.
Other survivors include: five children, Don Byrd, Jr., Vienna, Virginia; Jeffrey (Lisa) Byrd, Four Seasons; DeAnna (David) Bokinsky, Flower Mound, Texas; David Byrd, Holts Summit; Brian Byrd, Lake Ozark; six grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Ann Lou Brown, Piedmont, SC; and Helen Waters, Gainesville, Ga.
He was also preceded in death by a sister, Millie Rustin; and two brothers, Olin Byrd, Jr.; and Johnny Byrd.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at St. Peter Catholic Church.
Burial will be in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Rosati, Missouri.
Visitation will be 4:30-7 p.m. Monday at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with a prayer service at 4 p.m.
Memorials are suggested to the Samaritan Center, 1310 East McCarty Street, Jefferson City, Mo 65101; or to the American Heart Association, 915 Country Ridge Drive, Jefferson City, Mo 65109
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
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Shirley,
I am sad to hear of Don’s passing. You have my sincere sympathy. Don always cheered me up and made me feel good when he was around. I will miss him. I’m sure you and your children will miss him more. There will surely be dark days, but they will eventually fade. Hang in there!
Joe Mingo
Shirley,
I am sad to hear of Don’s passing. You have my sincere sympathy. Don always cheered me up and made me feel good when he was around. I will miss him. I’m sure you and your children will miss him more. There will surely be dark days, but they will eventually fade. Hang in there!
Joe Mingo
DeAnna – So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I lost my brother on Friday. Although it is difficult to let them go, we must find comfort in knowning that they are in a far better place. May God grant you the Peace, Grace and Comfort in the days ahead. Roberta Grissum (fka Nevins)
Dave, Sorry to hear about your Dad, Pam & I have fond memory’s of Don, we’ll allways remember him coming to our basketball game’s, I allways enjoyed my time with him !
Peace be With You
Joel & Pam Mietzner
Dave, Sorry to hear about your Dad, Pam & I have fond memory’s of Don, we’ll allways remember him coming to our basketball game’s, I allways enjoyed my time with him !
Peace be With You
Joel & Pam Mietzner
We are sorry to hear of your loss and pray for comfort to each of you. Take care and much love. Clarissa and Kevin (Bokinsky’s friends)
I pray that God will be with you. You have a good family. I’m thankful to know your family and the opportunity to work with your Dad. He always greeted me with a smile and was kind to me. He lived the faith he professed and possessed.
We are saddened by the news of Mr.Byrd’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting with him when he would be sthe neighborhood. Always a smile. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless each of you. In sympathy, David and Sally Tellman
Dear Byrd family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Don. It’s been many years since all of us enjoyed parish picnics and Super Bowl parties. However, I’ll never forget the good times shared with “Mr. Byrd” and family. Please know that I’m thinking of you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Courtney Sullivan
Dear Byrd family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Don. It’s been many years since all of us enjoyed parish picnics and Super Bowl parties. However, I’ll never forget the good times shared with “Mr. Byrd” and family. Please know that I’m thinking of you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Courtney Sullivan
Dear Family,
Let our loss be tempered with the knowledge that Don is
resting in the hereafter beyond any mortal suffering. One of my earliest memories was Don’s graduation parade at North Ga. College in Dahlonega. Our grandparents and Momma Byrd were dressed in their finest; Rudy & I wore sport coats and ties. We were so proud of our Graduate & new officer! Don once gave me some advice when I needed it most: “Only those who work hard will be paid dearly.†I believe that’s was passed down from our grandfather and originated from his paternal grandmother, Aupha Batchelor Byrd. Anyway, I know it’s true & it helped me often. He couldn’t have given me a greater gift & it was just one thing that helped to define the man. He will be missed.
All my love,
Phillip Allen
Dear Family,
Let our loss be tempered with the knowledge that Don is
resting in the hereafter beyond any mortal suffering. One of my earliest memories was Don’s graduation parade at North Ga. College in Dahlonega. Our grandparents and Momma Byrd were dressed in their finest; Rudy & I wore sport coats and ties. We were so proud of our Graduate & new officer! Don once gave me some advice when I needed it most: “Only those who work hard will be paid dearly.†I believe that’s was passed down from our grandfather and originated from his paternal grandmother, Aupha Batchelor Byrd. Anyway, I know it’s true & it helped me often. He couldn’t have given me a greater gift & it was just one thing that helped to define the man. He will be missed.
All my love,
Phillip Allen
To Shirley & Family:
It saddens me to hear the passing of Don. I worked with Don for 14 years. He was not only my boss, but one of the most important mentors in my life. Each and every day that I worked with him, he taught me work ethic and most importantly life lessons. Don was a man of extraordinary wisdom and a true gentleman. I feel fortunate to have known him.
I am so sorry,
Gwen Propst
To Shirley & Family:
It saddens me to hear the passing of Don. I worked with Don for 14 years. He was not only my boss, but one of the most important mentors in my life. Each and every day that I worked with him, he taught me work ethic and most importantly life lessons. Don was a man of extraordinary wisdom and a true gentleman. I feel fortunate to have known him.
I am so sorry,
Gwen Propst
To Byrd Family,
I’m sorry I could not make it to the funeral because of the weather. Please know I wanted to be with you all and to give my respect to Donald. He was and still is the best Uncle and friend a niece could have. I will dearly miss our summer visits. His wisdom and guidance saw me through many of life’s journey’s and I will carry his words with me always. Because of him, I strove to be a better person. I will forever be grateful to the love he gave Travis after my Dad died. You all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Marsha Byrd-Shelton
To Byrd Family,
I’m sorry I could not make it to the funeral because of the weather. Please know I wanted to be with you all and to give my respect to Donald. He was and still is the best Uncle and friend a niece could have. I will dearly miss our summer visits. His wisdom and guidance saw me through many of life’s journey’s and I will carry his words with me always. Because of him, I strove to be a better person. I will forever be grateful to the love he gave Travis after my Dad died. You all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Marsha Byrd-Shelton
Love you guys!
Dad loved you very much…..he would do anything for you and Travis!
I am so sorry to hear about your brother! Take care of yourself too…..we will make it through.
Thank you Gwen. He had a special place in his heart for you!
Thank you for the kind words. He was always providing advice through words of wisdom.
Thank you Courtney. It’s been a long time since those days but they are cherished memories. Hope you are doing well!
Thank you both. Dad loved living in the neighborhood….it meant so much to him to have good neighbors and friends!
Joe – Mom doesn’t have a computer but wanted me to tell you how much she appreciates your thoughts! Dad is in a better place and no longer struggling to breathe so we are glad to know that. Take care.
My sympathies to the Byrd family. Don was a good friend of my dad, Walt, and I went to grade school with Jeff. I remember you all well. My wife, Teresa, grew up just down the road on Lynwood and recalls you all, as well. My mother, Irene, sends her well wishes, too. — Greg Stratman
If anyone in the world resembled Mae Bel, in both physical appearance and temperment, it was Donald, more than all his brothers and sisters. My Dad treasured his friendship with this brother. I was always blessed in visiting with him. My most special time with him was when he visited me and took me out for dinner while I was in basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. in 1970. “Uncle Donald” had a grace about him that will make him sorely missed. My prayers and thoughts to Shirley and his children. With respect, Ned Olin Byrd. Colorado Springs, CO.
This condolence is past due, however, I just thought of your dad who owned cattle in Rolla, Mo. with my dad many years ago. My dad passed away February 6, 2013. His name was Richard Sinnott, better known as Dick Sinnott. I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. May you always carry good memories of him.