Richard E. Byrd

            Richard E. Byrd, 88, of Council Grove (formerly Dwight), passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

            He was born on December 15, 1935, in Texanna, OK, the son of Claude Freeman and Muriel Phoebe (Lane) Byrd.  Soon after, the family moved to Port Hueneme, CA.

            He married Karen K. Fielder on June 24, 1961, in Junction City, KS.  She survives.  They celebrated over 62 years of marriage.  He is also survived by his daughter Sherri Schulte and husband Bob; grandchildren Nicholas Schulte and Amanda Henery and husband Levi; great-grandson Bowen Henery; sisters Pat Bumgarner and Sandra Harris and brother Jim Byrd.  He was preceded in death by his son Jerry; his parents; and siblings Neva, Ronald, John, Helen, Billie June, and Juanita.

            Richard entered the Army at age 17 where he obtained his GED.  His years of service included two tours in Vietnam; deployments to Japan, Korea, and Germany; and stations in Kansas, Texas, California, and Hawaii.  He was a paratrooper, expert marksman, and a drill sergeant.  Richard retired after 21 years of service to his country.

            After his retirement from the Army, the family moved to Dwight, KS.  He had a variety of occupations, but his favorite was working at Dwight Grade School as groundskeeper, custodian, and bus driver.

            Richard loved his grandchildren and enjoyed attending all of their sporting events, programs, and recitals.  It was a rare occurrence for him and his wife to be absent from anything involving the lights of their lives.

            Visitation will take place from 5-6:30, Thursday, April 18, at Sawyer Funeral Home in Council Grove.  Funeral services will be held at 1:30, Friday, April 19, at the Dwight Methodist Church with burial following at the Dwight Cemetery.

            Memorial contributions may be given to Disabled Veterans of America and sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, PO box 273, Council Grove, KS  66846.

            Condolences may be left at www.sawyerchapel.com.