Fenwick Byrd

Fenwick Campbell Byrd Fenwick Campbell Byrd, 66, of Topeka, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2015 at his home. He was born January 19, 1949 in Tuscaloosa, AL, one of twins born to John B. and Bernadette V. Smith Byrd, Jr. He spent his early years in Eutaw, Alabama; at age 9, he moved to Demopolis, Alabama. He graduated from Demopolis High School in 1967, and served in the US Air Force from 1967-1971. He trained at Lackland AFB, TX; Shepherd AFB, TX; and Keesler AFB, MS, before being assigned to Forbes AFB, KS, where he was honorably discharged in 1971. He was trained as a Medical Laboratory Specialist, and later worked in civilian health care as a Medical Technologist, MT (ASCP). Fenwick attended Washburn University and was graduated in 1975 with a BS in Biology; and again in 1982 with a BSN in Nursing. He worked in the Health Care industry for over 45 years, many of them as an operating room nurse. Fenwick loved riding motorcycles, and rode for more than 40 years; with many friends and acquaintances. Many of those years were spent Looking for Chopper City! Much fun was had by all!! He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, reading and spending time with his grandchildren. He really enjoyed family genealogy research in his later years. Fenwick is survived by his wife, Dorothy. They were married July 1, 2006. They loved each other dearly, and enjoyed each other s company. They enjoyed traveling together, time with friends and relatives, and just relaxing at home. He is survived by three children, Gabriel A. Byrd, and Susanne M. Byrd, both of Lansing, KS; and Daniel A. Byrd, Topeka, KS, children of his first and second marriages. Other survivors include his three step-children; Dawn (Daniel) Erwin of Overland Park, KS, Derek (Amy) Bahner and Darwin (Annie) Bahner, both of Silver Lake, KS and nine grandchildren. He is also survived by four brothers; John B. (Suzi) Byrd, III, his twin brother Harry J. (Barbie) Byrd, Richard Borden (Vanessa) Byrd, Earl Bennett Byrd and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William T. Byrd. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Cremation will follow the service and private inurnment will take place in the family plot at Mesopotamia Cemetery, Eutaw, AL at a later date. Fenwick will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606 or to Retrieving Freedom, Inc., P.O. Box 1305, Olive Branch, MS 38654. To leave the family a special message online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com. Fenwick Campbell Byrd