Donald Ray Byrd

Rubottom- Candlelight services for Donald “Dado” Ray Byrd, 61, of Rubottom are scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Friday, November 11, 2011, at the Courtney Methodist Church in Courtney with Rev. Carolyn Higdon officiating. Services are announced by Alexander Funeral Home & Crematory of Wilson.

Donald was born July 6, 1950, at Orr, Oklahoma to the late Mr. Loy L. Byrd and Mrs. Dorothy Pauline (Dewbre) Byrd. He departed from this life November 5, 2011 at his home in Rubottom.

Donald was raised in Orr as one of six children. He was always a Mason, laying brick since he was 16. He was an independent Mason for 45 years, retiring just three years ago. Donald married Iwona Meek in March of 1998 at Gainesville, Texas. They lived the majority of their married life together in Rubottom. He loved all of his children. He enjoyed catfish and loved to hunt big game. He was a member of the Courtney Methodist Church.

Donald was preceded in death by his father Loy Byrd, brother Clyde Byrd and grandparents Syl and Nora Dewbre.

He is survived by wife Iwona, of the home; nine children, Amy Hughitt, Haltom City, Texas, LeAnn Byrd, Saginaw, Texas, Brandon Burleson, Fort Worth, Texas, Thomas Burleson, Fort Worth, Texas, Brandy Lynn Sarno, Damon Burleson, Payton Ball, Seana Coker, Kennedie Coker, all of Rubottom; mother Pauline Byrd; 20 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; special aunt, Joyce Webster, Marietta; special uncles Rusty Doyle Green, Healdton, Mickey Dewbre, Ringling; siblings, Cindy Lewis, Leon, Dorothy Travis, Oklahoma, Jackie Byrd and Avery Byrd. Numerous other family and friends.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.alexanderfuneralhome.org.