GARY W. BYRD

1953 - 2011

Gary W. Byrd, 58, of Maple Park, Ill., passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2011, at Kishwaukee Community Hospital, DeKalb.
He was born June 9, 1953, in Sycamore, the son of Eatterson Sr. and Alice (Lemke) Byrd.
He grew up in Sycamore and attended local schools.
Gary was lucky in love early in his life, meeting Delores "Dee" Smith when his brother married her aunt. Their love was strong and true, and they were married Dec. 21, 1971, in South Carolina before returning to live with family on Francis Road for a time.
Later they made their home in Maple Park, eventually settling a few miles from the Sycamore Speedway where they had since made their home for the past thirty years.
Gary had many jobs through the years, but made a name for himself at St. Peter's Catholic Church and School. He began as a janitor and later became a fixture in the maintenance department.
Gary worked very hard, working seven days a week for more than 15 years; many times putting in more time than needed because of the love and dedication he had for St. Peter's. No matter what, he always made time to take care of his lawn, often towing his nieces and nephews behind in a wagon. He mowed it by hand, even though he had a riding mower, because he wanted to make sure it was done "right." He also loved to spend time in the garden, making sure nothing took away the beauty of his flowers and vegetables. Gary enjoyed traveling to Castle Rock in Oregon, where he loved to fish anything that would bite. He also belonged to the Rochelle Conservation and Sportsmans Club and spent many memorable hours making memories with every cast. Most recently, he dedicated time to fixing up a truck to take to the track so he could test his skills versus the other drag racers looking for glory.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dee Byrd; one son, David Byrd; numerous nieces and nephews, especially Kristen (Tony) Knight, and their children, Devin, Dalton and Dacota; and three siblings, Ron Byrd, Deb Byrd and Donna Sills.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eatterson Sr. and Alice Byrd; and one brother, Eatterson Jr.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Friday, July 29, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. A remembrance service to celebrate his life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 30, with a time of visitation from 1-2 p.m. Friends are invited to bring their best memory of Gary to share. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Sycamore.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name. Checks can be made to the "Gary Byrd Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes can also be forwarded to the same address or at www.ConleyCare.com.