Robert Morris Byrd

Robert Morris Byrd passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at Hermitage Care in Owensboro, Kentucky. He was 90 years old. Born in Midland City, AL, a son of the late James Franklin and Fay Buckner Byrd, he graduated from Midland City High School in 1941. After a brief time at Alabama Polytechnic Institute, which later became Auburn University, he joined the United States Army for four years, serving in the Medical-Dental Corps in the Pacific Theatre. Returning to Auburn University following the war he completed a B.S. in Biology and was awarded his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1953 Coming to Owensboro in 1955, Dr. Byrd built his veterinary hospital on Parrish Avenue where he served the community until his retirement in 2004. He was extensively involved in his church, his community, and his profession. An active member of First Baptist Church, he enjoyed his service as an usher, working with plants in the church's Prayer Garden, and his participation in the Mavericks Sunday School class. Professionally he served as president of the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Medicine Association, and was appointed by Governor Patton as a member of the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners. In the community, he had served as chair of the Professional Division of the United Way, a board member of the Cliff Hagan Boys Club and had been a member of both the Daviess County and The Owensboro Lions Club with which he was actively involved with Kentucky Eye Foundation. Dr. Byrd served for many years as a board member of the then Great Financial Bank. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Gene Byrd, Johnny Byrd, and Dannelly Byrd. Dr. Byrd is survived by his wife of fifty-one years Linda Carden Byrd; his daughter, Dr. Marcia V. Byrd of Roswell, GA; his sons Robert F. Byrd (Toni) and David E. Byrd (Carolyn) all of Dothan, AL, and Dr. Victor M. Byrd (Sandra) of Nashville; his grandchildren Jordan, Phillip, Andrew, Matthew, Emily, Walker and Mary Emmie Byrd, Brittany McKibben and Jessica White; his great-grandchild Olivia Byrd; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family wishes to express appreciation to the staff of Hermitage for four years of extraordinary care. The funeral service for Dr. Byrd will be 2:00 p.m. Monday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory in Owensboro, KY, where visitation will after 10:00 a.m. Monday. Entombment will be in Owensboro Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to First Baptist Church. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.glennfuneralhome.com.