Darby R. Byrd, Sr., 71, of Orange, died Tuesday, January 7, 2014, at the Baptist Hospital in Orange.
Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, January 10, 2014, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 11, 2014, at First United Methodist Church in Orange, with Reverend John Warren officiating. Following the service, friends are invited to join the family for a reception to be held in the Praise Center of the church.
A private graveside service will be held on Sunday at Canon Mathis Cemetery in Waller, Texas.
Born in Kosse, Texas, on May 20, 1942, Darby was the son of Charlie and Adice (Mathis) Byrd. He worked at the former Orange Savings Bank, retiring as CEO and President, and was currently serving as a board member of First Financial Bank. He was a member of the Texas Financial Commission, having been appointed by Governor Rick Perry. A former Orange Citizen of the Year, Darby was an active Rotarian, having previously served as president. He was a past president of both the Little Cypress Lions Club and the Orange County United Way, was on the Board of the Lamar Foundation as well as the Lutcher Theater Board, and was an active member of First United Methodist Church, serving on many of the committees.
Darby loved helping people, including his customers. He volunteered with the West Orange Cove Consolidated Independent School District, reading to kindergarteners and tutoring students to help improve their reading skills. During his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, traveling, and serving his community.
Darby is survived by his wife of 52 years, Doris Byrd; daughter, Debra Byrd McDavid and husband Tom of Atlanta, GA; son, Darby Byrd, Jr. and wife Cindy of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Kaylie Byrd, Mason McDavid, and Zach Boemer; brother, Dr. Gene Byrd and wife Kathy of Tuscaloosa, AL; sister, Celia Martin and husband Tom of Austin; and nieces, Dana Byrd and Jeanette Byrd.
Serving as pallbearers will be David Bridges, Walter Riedel, Dan Mohon, Per Jensen, Bill Wallace, Mike Poutra, Ron Roberts, Jerry Hughes and Lee Harris.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 502 N. Sixth St., Orange, TX 77630.
Condolences
Jo Ann .
January 12, 2014
Jo Ann . purchased a sympathy card for the family of Darby R. Byrd Sr..
Joann Hazlewood
January 12, 2014
I am so sorry for all our loss, he was a wonder person and was my role modelJo Ann Hazlewood
Melissa Payne Pitts
January 11, 2014
Darby Byrd, you are loved & will be missed dearly. He was always so sweet & caring. I started at OSB just 2 weeks shy of my 17th birthday...during my almost 10 year stay with this company, he would joke that I "grew up" with them..."the bank raised" me:-). I still remember the year I got the name "Red"....I was still on the front teller line back in 2003...he stopped in his tracks, looked at me as he back-stepped with that "Darby" grin on his face, nodded his head with shock, yet approval of my newly colored hair, & said "ok...okay", then kept walking....it was hilarious! He was always so supportive & uplifting. Even though he had already technically retired, he was one of the few that gave me his 100% complete support when I sent him my resignation letter. We decided it was time for me to stay home with our munchkin, & he told me he was very proud of the decisions I was making, & that was where I was needed more. The love for family shined in his eyes & especially when he would talk about his own. I loved to hear him talk about sweet Mrs. Doris & their "babies"...there was nothing but joy & pride in his voice & written all over his face...he was so proud to call them his own. They now have an amazing guardian angel watching over them. Much love & prayers to this family!
Larry Martin
January 10, 2014
He was always so sweet & nice, & so supportive of me both in person & online via FaceBook. He was a true gentleman. As a step-uncle you couldn't ask for better. He has left his "Earth Suit" or body and put on his "Heavenly Suit.". He died in "Christ" not in his sins because he believed in the one who died for us all on the Cross, Jesus! As Jesus said, "Today, you will be w/Me in Paradise."
Cathy Willhoite
January 10, 2014
Cathy Willhoite sent a virtual gift in memory of Darby R. Byrd Sr.
Anonymous
January 10, 2014
Beautiful Dreams was purchased for the family of Darby R. Byrd Sr..
Jenny Stark
January 10, 2014
Peace and Comfort God Speed Ms. Doris, to you and your family. I worked with Darby at 3 different banks for a 15yr. span. He came to Bill and I wedding. He was definitely an Orange icon and prominent part of this Community. -Jenny Stark
Cassie Hoffman
January 10, 2014
Sincere condolences to Doris and family. Darby was such a great mentor to me when he hired me for my first banking job. He was always a great role model for all to follow. A great man with a huge heart. He will truly be missed.
- Cassie Hoffman
Howard And Joan Haddock
January 9, 2014
Our prayers and blessings to you Doris and family in your loss of Darby. We have many fond memories of Darby and extend our deepest sympathies. We are very sorry we can not be there to offer our condolences in person. Sincerely, Howard and Joan Haddock
Don Wilkerson
January 9, 2014
I only had the pleasure of knowing Darby for the last eleven years. Each year in August with our wives, three couples including Darby and Doris would travel to Nacogdoches from around the state for a weekend with our dear friends the Pyles. We spent an entire weekend together, almost every waking moment. Darby was intelligent, witty, charming, humorous, compassionate, and loving. You could not help but like him. He was a dear sweet man who will be noticeably missed. Our deepest condolences to his sweet wife Doris and his family. Don and Joyce Wilkerson
Kimm
January 9, 2014
Kimm lit a candle in memory of Darby R. Byrd Sr.
Anonymous
January 9, 2014
Secret Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Darby R. Byrd Sr..
Kimm
January 9, 2014
Mrs Byrd & Debra I am so very sorry for your loss. I know your loss is extremely great. Darby was such a genuine compassionate man. My God hold you all tightly at this time and may you find comfort in each other in beautiful memories and the love from us all. Kimm Mayo Benson
U.S. Congressman Kevin & Cathy Brady
January 9, 2014
U.S. Congressman Kevin & Cathy Brady purchased the America the Beautiful for the family of Darby R. Byrd Sr..
Raymond H. Anderson And Family
January 9, 2014
Raymond H. Anderson and Family purchased the Peaceful White Lilies Basket for the family of Darby R. Byrd Sr..
Per & Charlyn Jensen
January 9, 2014
Per & Charlyn Jensen purchased the A Full Life for the family of Darby R. Byrd Sr..
Nathan Merritt
January 8, 2014
My deepest condolences to all the family, friends, and loved ones of Darby. I pray God gives each of you strength and comfort now and in the days ahead.