Richard W. Byrd

Date of Death: January 10, 2011

Richard W. “Dick” Byrd, 61, of Lafayette, died at 1:15 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10, 2011, at Clarian Arnett Hospital. He had been in failing health for several years.
He was born Sept. 4, 1949, in Lafayette, to Robert Wayne Byrd, of West Lafayette and the late Hilda Downing Byrd.
He graduated from North Central High School in 1967, Butler University in 1972 and served in the Air National Guard from 1967 -1975.
In 1971 he married Theresa J. Carr in Indianapolis.
He was an insurance agent, financial planner and entrepreneur in the Lafayette area. He was a Master Mason of the York Rite, Indianapolis and a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity where he served on the board. He was the president of the Independent Insurance Agents and Professional Insurance Agents of Indiana and was active in numerous other professional associations.
He authored numerous Insurance publications and helped develop Soft Silver an Insurance Agency Management Software. He also taught classes in insurance agency management for the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors. He produced and hosted Boilers Underground and broadcast various High School sporting events in Tippecanoe and adjoining counties. He refereed basketball, football, wrestling and umpired basball for the ISHAA. Mr. Byrd coached softball, Lafayette 56er&s and Little League baseball. He also served as a mentor for CASA.
Surviving are his children, Laura M. Edwards (husband: David), Lisa J. Hester (husband: Matthew) both of Lafayette and Thomas W. Byrd of Fredericksburg, Va. and a brother Robert W. Byrd (wife: Diane) of West Lafayette.
Also surviving is a granddaughter Ailey N. Hester. Preceded in death by grandson Eric T. Hester.
Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel 1184 Sagamore Parkway West. Funeral Service 1 p.m. Friday at Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel, The Rev. Clayton Kendall officiating. Burial will be at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Colt World Series c/o Lafayette Tournament Inc. PO Box 874, Lafayette, IN 47902 or the American Stroke Association.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

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I never knew you very long but from all the story's I've been told you were an intelligent man with a great personality. I never got to talk to you but there is a picture of you holding me and I hold that picture very close to my heart. When I was little, about 3 or 4, I used to swear to mom that you would visit me in my tinker bell tent and we would talk about everything, she didn't believe me but then I told her everything about you in a vivid detail, sometimes I wish I would have kept that tent because I miss all the memories there were inside. You will be loved forever and always.

I never knew you very long but from all the story's ive heard you were an intelligent man with a great personality, I was just a baby when you passed away and I never got to talk to you but there is a picture of you holding me and I hold it close to my heart. When I was very young about 3 or 4 i used to tell mom

Dear Byrd Family:

So sorry to hear about Dick&s passing. He was a real mentor to all of us in the insurance business and always had time to talk about anything including insurance and life in general. A wonderful and giving person, Dick was a true friend and always gave people his time and was a great example with his compassion for the insurance industry and educating others through CIC Programs, sales ideas and general insurance classes. I will miss him a lot.

John E. Sullivan, CIC
McGowan Insurance Group
Indianapolis

We were saddened to hear of Richard?s passing this week. We volunteer at Rosewalk Village and help with the weekly bowling activity that he enjoyed. Richard communicated very well with his eyes and expressions.

In addition to being a competitive bowler, he was eager to participate as our cheerleader ... shaking the hand-held noisemaker. He especially looked forward to the ?chocolate rewards? we shared with him for his efforts and spirit. ... and
we looked forward to seeing him wheel into the Club Room.

Richard will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Richard & Miriam Johansen

Laura - words can not express what you are going through right now. Know that God is with you and has taken your father into his arms and will guide him for everafter. God Bless.

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

To all of the Byrd Family, I&m so sorry to hear of Dick&s passing. I have known
Dick since highschool and in all of those years I can honestly say that Dick was a
Friend. He will be missed by all that knew Him.

We send our love and prayers on the passing of Dick. Thinking of you and your family.
Love, Paul & Susan

Bob,

I sorry to hear of your loss.

Jim Ruth

I enjoyed working with Dick on agent issues and learned a lot from him as well. He was always willing to give of himself to benefit others in his industry. He will be remembered as a friend and as a fellow agent. The Independent Agents of Indiana was fortunate to have worked with him and will honor him in a future edition of our monthly magazine so that those that knew him will take a moment to think about him and those that did not know him will be aware of his contributions.

Wayne and Bob:

We recall the fun times we all had when Richard and Robert were growing up in West Lafayette.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family as you celebrate his life.

Les,Berniece and famly.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Byrd Family in the passing of Dick. I had the good fortune to work with him over the years through our mutual volunteer service with the Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana (Big ""I""). Having served as President of the Big ""I"" like Dick, I always admired his dedication in making a difference and relentless determination.

Dick is now at peace and resting comfortably with our Lord.....may God bless each of you during this time of sorrow.

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