Richard Byrd passed away in Holdenville on Friday, July 3, 2015, at the age of 80 years.

Richard was the son of Sonny & Jennie (Frank) Byrd, born on February 10, 1935, in Eufaula, Oklahoma, where he was brought up and attended schools. He graduated Eufaula High School and then joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and was stationed in Alaska.

Richard married Edith Rice on February 9, 1957, in McAlester, Oklahoma. They moved to California, where he worked many years as a farmer/rancher - as Ranch Supervisor for ESCO Land Company in Kingsburg, and as Foreman for Dill's Ranch and Superintendent for Sumner-Peck Ranch, both in the Cantua Creek area. When he retired, the family moved to Holdenville, in January of 1990.

Richard enjoyed collecting guns and hats. He loved hunting, camping, and deep-sea fishing. More than anything, he enjoyed spending time with his two sons and his grandchildren, who were the light of his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Sonny & Jennie Byrd; two brothers, Yahdeka Byrd and June Manawa; three sisters: Ruby Manawa Smith, Leah Manawa Sulpher, and Jamaimah Byrd.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Edith, of the home; two sons, Christopher Sean Byrd and his wife, Tanya of Tulsa, and Jonathan Shane Byrd of Holdenville; six grandchildren: Isaac Byrd, Damien Hobia, Ethan Byrd, Caitlin Byrd, Hayden Byrd, and Asher Byrd; three great grandchildren: Richie Byrd, Braylee Hobia, and Baylor Hobia; nieces and nephews, other family members, and many friends including his beloved dog, 'Taco'.

Graveside memorial services were held and Richard was laid to rest in the Holdenville Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2015, with Rev. Dane Robinson officiating.