Charles “Charlie” David Byrd Sr.,92, of Laramie, WY passed peacefully on 13 November 2016 surrounded by his loving wife and family.Charles was born May 16, 1924 to Dewy & Edith Byrd in Mount Vernon, Indiana. He was one of 9 children.
Charlies was married to Betty Jane Byrd on 24 January 1944.
Charlie & Betty met on a blind date. When Charlie saw Betty walking down the stairs, he said that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen; he knew right away she was the one. She took his breath away and his heart. Two weeks later they were married, and that love stayed strong for over 72 years.
Charles went into the United States Army in 1943 and was stationed in Concordia, KS. He held the ranks of Staff Sergeant, Corporal and PD. He also served his country in WWII.
He later moved to Laramie, WY to start a new life with his family. He worked at Home Bakery for several years, was a police officer & security guard for the University of Wyoming, although his most loved position was being a custodian for Albany County School District. He later retired and spent several years working for the US Forest Service.
Charlie enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors. His greatest love of all was his family. He had a long happy life; which he lived to the fullest. He was very kind and giving man. Some say he walked on water. To know him, was to know strength, kindness, love and compassion. He will be dearly missed.
He was preceded in death by his mother Edith Byrd, father Dewey Byrd Sr., brothers, Robert Byrd, Harold Byrd, Dewey “Billy” Byrd Jr. and Richard Byrd, sister, Beatrice Greenwell, and son Charles Byrd Jr.
He is survived his wife, Betty Byrd, brothers, Franklin Byrd & Donnie Byrd, sister Margie Reburn, children, Bernita “Jane” Byrd, Wilma Smith & husband Rodney Smith, Kathy Candler, Danny Byrd, Ivan Byrd & wife Tammy Byrd, Maria Denner and husband Faron Denner and Cecilia Byrd. He was also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Memorial donations can be made in Charlie’s name to, Betty Byrd, c/o Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home (2133 Rainbow Ave Laramie, Wy 82070)
Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 17 at Harmony Cemetery. Reception will follow at Laramie Care Center in the activities room.
to my dad i will all was love you and never forget what you always told you said son if you want anything in this life you got to work for what you want nothing is handed to you. so i say thank you dad you where my hero and a hero to so any more. I will keep your last wish which is now that i am your oldest son you want me to take care of mom and i will god bless you dad i do you are with your grandson jeremy my and caseys son i know he plowed his way to you you was always his hero. daddy we meet again. so glad you are in no more pain. god bless see you again n
Charlie was a beloved fixture at the Laramie High School swimming pool during the late 1970's and early 1980's. He was a friend to all the athletes and took wonderful care of the facilities. His familiar greeting "How 'ya doing there young fella?" still rings in my ears. Rest in Peace old friend!
I met Charlie when I was in High school he would always hug me and tell me if I needed anything to let him know! He will be missed!
I met Charlie when I was in High school he would put his arms around me and ask how I am doing he did this every day! I love him and will miss him! My prayers g9 out to Betty and family!
My fondest memory of Charlie was the time we were target practicing and he let me shoot his police sidearm. I hit the target but fell on my ass! Fun times! I know he will be missed. Betty, you will be in my prayers , love you.
Prayers and love to the Byrd family in the passing of a great counsellor. We lost a great ear and kind heart but Heaven gained an angel far above what words can express. Revend Stephen D. Yost and family
Sorry for the families lost always a good man prayers to all of you I know he is happy he is with his maker.. he had long wonderful life. Cheryl, Dennis,Chad, Hyatt, Kenny Mcconnel. God bless.
My condolences to the whole family! Praying for God's peace which surpasses all understanding knowing he is with our Lord and Savior! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Byrd family so very sorry for your loss...You have our sympathy ...