Dr. Otis "Gene" Byrd Jr.

1943 - 2017 Dr. Otis "Gene" Byrd, Jr., 73, of Beaumont, passed away Saturday, August 19, 2017, at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. He was born on December 20, 1943, to Grace Wiltz and Otis Eugene Byrd, Sr. Dr. Byrd began his career by earning a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from Lamar University. He later received his Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Rice University, and then a Doctorate of Engineering from Lamar University. He was most recently an assistant professor at Lamar State College, Port Arthur. He is survived by his wife, Sally Byrd; four children, Katie Marteney of Waco; Jenny Goff and her husband, Jeff, of Beaumont; Jim Griffin and his wife, Tangee, of Beaumont; and Richard Griffin and his wife, Heather, of Spring; ten grandchildren, Lauren, Mason and Jack Marteney; Sarah Morgan and her husband, Heath, Hannah and Abby Goff; Emma Griffin, Olivia Hornsby, and Lawson Griffin; and Peirce Griffin; two great-grandchildren, Beka and Patric Morgan; sister, Susan LeBlanc and her husband, John; their children, Kathleen LeBlanc-Hood and her husband, Al and Allison Williams and her husband, Joseph; and cousin, Lu Whitaker of Frankfort, Indiana. Dr. Byrd was preceded in death by his parents. A gathering of Dr. Byrd's family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday, August 21, 2017, at Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at Calvary Baptist Church, 3650 Dowlen Road, Beaumont. His graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m., at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 3900 Twin City Highway, Groves. Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com.