Robert Charles Byrd (1923 - 2016)

Born 11 Apr 1923 in Westfield, Clark, Illinois, United States

Husband of Elizabeth Eileen (Wilhoit) Byrd — married 21 Apr 1943 in Charleston, Illinois, United States

Died 6 Feb 2016 at age 92 in Westfield, Clark, Illinois, United States

Biography

Robert was born in 1923. He passed away in 2016.

s/o Noel McKinley BYRD & Kathryn BRISCOE

Obituary

Robert Charles Byrd, age 92 of the Charleston and Westfield areas, entered his Heavenly Home while in the comforting presence of his loving family on Saturday, February 6, 2016. Visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday, February 9, 2016 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Memorial Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral chapel with Reverend Walter Miller officiating. Masonic Rites will be conducted by members and guests of the Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M. and Military Services will be conducted by the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and the Charleston American Legion Post 93 combined honor guard. Inurnment will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Westfield. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the United Methodist Church of Westfield. Gifts may be left during the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.

Bob was born April 11, 1923 in Westfield, IL to the late Noel and Kathryn (Briscoe) Byrd. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth Eileen Wilhoit on April 21, 1943 in Charleston, and they were blessed with 68 years of marriage and friendship prior to her death on November 29, 2011. Bob dearly loved his family and was extremely proud of his sons and their families, Robert W. Byrd and wife Penelope of Bend, OR and Richard A. Byrd and wife Pamela of Philadelphia, PA; grandchildren, Elizabeth Curl and husband Chris of Mobile, AL and Katherine Thaller and husband Scott of Minneapolis, MN; and great grandchildren, Nathan, Jessica and Emma Curl. Bob is also survived by two sisters, Joanna Ingrum of St. Joseph, IL and Dessa Reed of Palm Springs, CA; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Bob was preceded by his brother, William “Bill” Byrd.

Bob was a graduate of Westfield High School and furthered his education by attending Eastern Illinois State Teachers College. In December of 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Force and faithfully and honorably served his country during World War II. Bob established a dry cleaning business with his brother Bill in 1946 and Byrd’s Dry Cleaners continues to serve the Charleston community today. Following his retirement from the dry cleaners Bob continued to work as a sales associate at a Chevrolet dealership in Charleston. Bob was a faithful and devoted member of the United Methodist Church of Westfield where he was actively involved with Eileen in many of its ministries. He was a 50 year Mason and member and past master of the Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M. as well as a member of the Charleston Elks B.P.O. E. #23 and the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388.

Bob enjoyed watching basketball and baseball and was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan – he never missed watching a televised game. He took pleasure in watching the many hummingbirds which visited the feeders he always kept filled, and in earlier years spending time in his vegetable garden and keeping physically fit by jogging were both activities Bob enjoyed. He had a passion for automobiles and the newest make and model could usually be found in his garage. Through the years Bob and Eileen nurtured many dear and lasting friendships as many evenings were spent playing card games and winters were spent in Ft. Myers Beach, FL with fellow snowbirds. They also shared many memorable times together with the last being asked to serve as Grand Marshalls of the 2011 Westfield Homecoming festivities.

It was always so pleasant to be in Bob’s presence and his smile was always a reflection of his kind and thoughtful personality. His family will dearly miss this truly special man; and the many positive ways in which he touched and influenced their lives, will be remembered and treasured, as his legacy lives on through those he dearly loved.

Sources

• Find A Grave: Memorial #157918704