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Richard Howard Byrd

July 20, 1953 - September 30, 2026
Visitation
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, West Lafayette Chapel
1184 Sagamore Pkwy W.
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Friday 10/16, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cemetery
Ladoga Cemetery
W652+F6 Ladoga, Indiana
Ladoga, IN 47954
7654741111 |
Saturday 10/17, 11:00 am

Memorial donations may be made to Almost Home Humane Society, 1705 S 2nd St. Lafayette, IN 47905

Richard H. Byrd of West Lafayette, passed away at 2:01 pm on Wednesday, September 30,2026 at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, IN.

He was born in Rensselaer, IN on July 20th, 1953, the son of Sherman C. Byrd and Kathryn Telfer Byrd. He married Jonell Konen Byrd on March 16th, 1974.

Richard grew up in Peru, IN graduating from Maconaquah High School in 1971. He received an Associate of Science degree from Vincennes University in 1973. He was president of the Phi Delta Sigma fraternity chapter at Vincennes while attending there.

In 1977 he received a Bachelor of Science degree in animal sciences from Purdue University. He was employed part time as a student at the Purdue Swine Research and Education Unit and full time as farm manager in 1978. He retired from Purdue in 2015 after 39 years of employment.

Richard was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution being a direct descendant of Jonathan Byrd (born 1750) who served in the Revolutionary War. He was so very proud to own the farmhouse built by his ancestors in 1848, recognized as a Hoosier Homestead. He absolutely loved spending time at “the farm”.
He enjoyed gardening, fishing and mushroom hunting.
He really liked animals and they tended to be drawn to him too. He fed the birds and squirrels at his West Lafayette home and adored his golden retriever, Lillybelle, and his cats Rocky and Swifty.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jonell Konen Byrd; daughter Kari Lynn Byrd, Carthage IN; son Jonathan Gavin Byrd, West Lafayette, IN; brother William (Vicki) Byrd, Logansport, IN; sister Lucile (Richard) Griffiths, Sun City, AZ; sister Elizabeth (Alan) Fenters, New Bremen, OH; and many nieces, nephews, cousins.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 16th, 2026, from 4-7 at Soller-Baker funeral home, 1184 Sagamore Parkway West, West Lafayette, IN.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 17th at 11 am at Ladoga Cemetery, 9005 S 550 E, Ladoga, IN.

Memorial donations may be made to Almost Home Humane Society, 1705 S 2nd St. Lafayette, IN 47905

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Visitation
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, West Lafayette Chapel
1184 Sagamore Pkwy W.
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Map
Friday 10/16, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cemetery
Ladoga Cemetery
W652+F6 Ladoga, Indiana
Ladoga, IN 47954
7654741111 | Map
Saturday 10/17, 11:00 am

Memorial donations may be made to Almost Home Humane Society, 1705 S 2nd St. Lafayette, IN 47905

Richard H. Byrd of West Lafayette, passed away at 2:01 pm on Wednesday, September 30,2026 at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, IN. He was born in Rensselaer, IN on July 20th, 1953, the son of Sherman C. Byrd and Kathryn Telfer Byrd. He married Jonell Konen Byrd on March 16th, 1974. Richard grew upContinue Reading

See Condolences
Judy Brocksmith left a message on October 6, 2026:
Dear sis, Joni! Tom and I are so very sorry for the loss of Richard! He was a good man and we can remember that he even loved to play Euchre with our family. He will be truly missed in our side of the family and our hearts and love go out to you. May he Rest in Peace! Love, Judy and Tom
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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