R. Wayne Byrd

Date of Death: February 20, 2012

Robert “Wayne” Byrd passed away Monday, February 20, 2012 at his home in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Wayne was born October 1, 1916 in rural Ladoga, Indiana, to Jess A. and R. Mae (Warner) Byrd. He graduated in 1934 from Ladoga High School and in 1938 from Purdue University.
On October 3, 1941, Wayne and Hilda May Downing were married in Battle Ground, Indiana. She passed away April 9, 1994. On December 31, 1999, he married Ruby Brunst in Cicero, Indiana and she was deceased in August 2007.
Wayne worked for the Equitable Life Assurance Society starting in 1938. From 1939 until May 1942 he taught Math and Science at West Lafayette Jr.-Sr. High School, enlisting in the Navy immediately following the Pearl Harbor attack in December 1941.
In May 1942, Wayne attended naval officer training at Cornell and Harvard Universities and was assigned to the Destroyers USS Ammen and USS Beatty in the South Pacific Theater as a communications officer, rising to the rank of Lt. Cmdr. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on November 27, 1945.
After serving in World War II, Wayne resumed his employment with the Equitable.Wayne obtained his C.L.U. (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation during this time. While working with the Equitable, he was employed as an agent, district manager, and in 1961 Wayne was promoted to Agency Manager, at which time he and his family moved to Indianapolis, IN. Upon retirement from management in 1971, he moved back to the Lafayette area continuing to work with the Equitable. In 1976, Wayne helped his two sons Richard W. Byrd and Robert W. Byrd form the R. W. Byrd Insurance Agency in West Lafayette. He continued to work in the agency until 1990.
Wayne was a 32nd Degree Mason. He was a long-time member of the John Purdue Club and was an avid Purdue football and basketball fan. He was an active Rosarian in the Lafayette Rose Society and helped many others learn to grow roses.
Wayne was a life-time active member of the Lafayette Kiwanis Club, having joined in 1946. His special interest was in coordinating the Christmas season bell ringing effort to support the local Salvation Army, some years providing 70 or so Kiwanians at eight to nine locations.
Surviving are a son, Robert W. Byrd (wife Diane) of West Lafayette, Indiana, three stepdaughters: Carol Kimmel (Bill) of Clarksville, MD; Janet Kimmel of Noblesville, IN; and Lynn Behner (Dale) of Cicero, IN, one sister, Imogene Craig of Speedway, IN, and Theresa J. Byrd of West Lafayette, IN. Deceased family members include a son, Richard W. Byrd, and siblings Josephine Sutherlin, Bill Byrd, and James Byrd. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Julie Byrd, Laura Edwards (Dave) and Lisa Hester (Matt), all of Lafayette, Wesley Byrd (Courtney LaBlaine) of Isle of Palm, SC, and Thomas Byrd of Fredericksburg, VA; two great-grandchildren: Ailey and Xavier Hester of Lafayette, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 ? 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 24 at the West Lafayette Chapel of Soller-Baker Funeral Home with a memorial service in the same location at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 25, Rev. Dr. Philip Klinger officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army.
Online condolences to www.soller-baker.com

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

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Dear Bob, Diane, Wesley, and Julie
What a wonderful Dad and Grandad you had with Mr. Byrd
He has left a beautiful legacy with his love and contribution to family, community, and his country
God Bless you all
Thank you for allowing us to share this time with you
We love you
Susie and Duke Hale

Bob
I was sorry to hear about your father&s passing. I remember you showing me a picture of your father and so enjoyed hearing you talk about the love and pride you have for your father and entire family. No better way that you could ever honor your father than that. My deepest sympathy to you, Julie and entire family.
Susan Dellacca

Bob and family;

Wayne was a great person and helpful to all he knew.
We have many fond memories of all our association and fun times we enjoyed with all the family as you grew up.
Stop and see us when in Naples.

Les & Berniece Warner

Bob,

I read the obituary of your father and ninety-five years is a rich fruitful life. He was a very giving man. He donated much of his time for others as the list is long.

I imagine those last days you spent together will make for some lasting very special moments.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May your Dad rest in peace.

Your Bro,

Jim Dickmeyer

Mr. Bryd will be missed. He use to come in M.C.L. for lunch almost everyday when I was head cashier. He always had a smile on his face and so very friendly. He was a great man.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dear Byrd Family,
Please accept my brother, sister and my condolences on the death of your father, Wayne. He was a very familiar face to us as he and my father, Richey Sims were both Equitable agents with their CLU&s. He was Dad&s district manager and we remember many visits that he and my parents had at our home. My mother and father thought very highly of Wayne and spoke of him and to him often. Please accept our sympathies.
Nancy, Carl and Melissa

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.