Donald Byrd

1927 - 2012

BYRD, DON Donald Arthur Byrd was born on July 27, 1927 in Dallas, Texas and died on February 5, 2012 at age 84 at his home in Hughes County, Oklahoma. During the last year of his life, Don mounted a courageous battle to recover from a stroke that left him disabled. Don attended Dallas public schools and earned a degree in Political Science from the University of Albuquerque. He served in the US Navy and the US Maritime Service. In 1951 Don joined the Dallas Police Department, where he served with distinction in every rank. Beginning as a patrolman with Badge Number 780, he was promoted to Detective where he worked in Forgery, Burglary & Theft and Homicide. After Don was promoted to Lieutenant, he supervised Patrol, Burglary & Theft, Vice and Narcotics, and after he was promoted to Captain, he supervised Personnel and Internal Affairs. As a Director, Don oversaw Planning & Research, and as a Deputy Chief, he oversaw Special Operations (Tactical & Special Events). As the Assistant Chief, he supervised all Field Operations. In 1971 Don left Dallas to become Chief of the Albuquerque Police, but in 1973 he returned to become Chief of the Dallas Police. Don served as Chief of Police in Dallas until his retirement in 1979. Afterwards, Don was elected Sheriff of Dallas County and served from 1981 through 1984. Early on in his 33-year career in law enforcement, Don graduated from the FBI National Academy, the Federal Bureau of Narcotics Training School and the National Executive Institute in Washington, DC. He acquired additional specialized training in law enforcement at Indiana University, Michigan State University, the University of Texas and Southern Methodist University. Don also taught communications and management at the Southwestern Legal Foundation in Richardson TX. After retirement, he consulted as an expert for plaintiffs in civil cases involving murders, robberies and sexual assaults. Don was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church. For 50 years he was a member of East Dallas Lodge No. 1200 and a 32º K.C.C.H. Scottish Rite Mason. He also was a member of the Hella Shrine Temple and the Royal Order of Jesters Court No. 25. Don was a charismatic leader who inspired steadfast allegiance and affection from the men and women he supervised. He maintained high standards of professional conduct and motivated others to do the same. His impeccable integrity was manifested in his every act and deed. Don possessed an inherent, exuberant zest for life. With his quick-witted, irrepressible sense of humor, he lifted the spirits of everyone around him. Don profoundly and positively affected the lives of countless people. He was a role model and mentor to some and a loyal friend to others. Don was always eager to offer encouragement, advice or a helping hand. While the range of Don's interests spanned from history to spectator sports, he especially enjoyed nature, wildlife and animals. In 1993 Don began spending the bulk of his time ranching in Hughes County. He raised registered Brangus cattle and later, American Quarter Horses. In 2004, Don and his wife moved permanently from their home in Dallas to the ranch in Oklahoma. Don loved his family deeply and was an especially devoted husband, father and son-in-law. He also was a patriot. Don was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Willie (Blanche) Corley Byrd, and by his brother, J. Henry Byrd. He is survived by his wife, Carol, sister, Mavis McDavitt of Belgrade MT, daughter Susan Byrd of Richardson TX, daughter Joyce Byrd of Dallas TX, daughter and son-in-law Linda and Denny Kavanaugh of Lebanon TN and son and daughter-in-law Charles and Julie Byrd of Edmond OK. Don is also survived by four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, three nieces, a nephew, five great nieces and nephews, cousins and many, many friends. Carol extends her sincere, heartfelt gratitude to D. Blake Irvin and Aaron King of Ada OK, the two Certified Nurses Aides who enabled Don to spend the last ten months of his life at home on the ranch. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W Northwest Highway, Dallas TX. The memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at Barnard Memorial United Methodist Church, 300 S Gulf St, Holdenville OK. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in honor of Don Byrd be sent to either Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Welborn St, Dallas TX 75219, Holdenville Education Foundation, PO Box 641, Holdenville OK 74848, Moss School 4-H & FFA, 8087 E 134 Rd, Holdenville OK 74848, or the charity of the donor's choice.