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BORN
1951
DIED
2019
Robert Byrd Obituary
West Lafayette - Robert W. Byrd, 68, of West Lafayette, Indiana, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2019, at home.
Bob was born November 26, 1951 in Lafayette, Indiana, to the late R. Wayne and Hilda (Downing) Byrd. He graduated in 1969 from North Central High School in Indianapolis and graduated in 1974 from Ball State University in Muncie. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta.
When Bob was in college, during the Vietnam war, he was drafted and enlisted with the Air Force National Guard, where he served stateside.
Bob was deservedly proud to have been self employed for over 45 years in the insurance industry as a salesman, partner in the R.W. Byrd Agency, and as the owner of Bob Byrd Insurance. Having an outgoing personality made him a consummate entrepreneur. Continuing education was significant to Bob and he was a designated Certified Insurance Counselor for 40 years. Bob's career highlights include being awarded the Agent of the year for the State of Indiana, multiple years in the Inner Circle at Pekin Insurance Company, along with many other company awards. Most importantly to Bob was building life-long relationships with his clients and friends. Bob also cherished being able to have his daughter join him at the agency for the past 15 years to continue the Byrd family insurance industry legacy. They made a unique father-daughter team.
On June 5, 2004, he married Diane Anderson Olmos at their home, and she survives.
Bob and Diane took pleasure in traveling and highlights were trips to Rome and London. They also were very active in various facets in the life of Federated Church of West Lafayette.
Family was especially important to Bob and he delighted in showing off pictures of Julie's artwork and his grandchildren. Besides the surviving spouse are son R. Wesley Byrd (Courtney), Isle of Palms, SC, and daughter Julie Diana (Tony), Lafayette, IN, two grandchildren R. Wells and Ginny Byrd, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and former spouse Leigh Ann Byrd, Isle of Palms, SC. Preceded in death by his brother, Richard W. Byrd.
Bob was active in many service organizations, such as Kiwanis and the Masonic Lodge over the years.
Visitation was held from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Sunday, December 29, 2019 at Federated Church, 2400 Sycamore Lane, West Lafayette, IN. The memorial service was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 30, 2019 also at Federated Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the American Cancer Society or the West Lafayette Public Library. Interment will be at a later date at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Byrd
Mike Kennedy
September 8, 2024
Bob may have had the nicest disposition of anyone I've ever known.
Michael Maddock
February 9, 2020
Bob helped me immensely while I studied at Purdue. When I was in a dispute with a landlord, around 1990, he called the lady and let her know I was reputable and offered his lawyer to support me. I'm saddened to see he he recently passed. God Bless him and his family.
January 22, 2020
To Julie and family,
Don and I were shocked and saddened to learn of Bob's passing. Bob always bragged that we were one his first clients and he was certainly our "go to" man for any and all insurance matters. Condolences to all his family. We will miss him.
Lynn and Don Kenyon
Frances Goode
January 9, 2020
I only met Bob once when he came in West Lafayette Public Library and we talked extensively about British history and especially Winston Churchill. He was a charming, knowledgeable and friendly man who obviously had a heart of gold. May he Rest In Peace.
January 5, 2020
I remember Bob as a great Phi Delta Theta brother at Ball State. He was always there to help in any way with a smile on his face and the best attitude. He was always someone I could count on. I just to remind all, for every tear that falls there are a thousand reasons to smile. He was one of my college friends I can truly say I loved like a brother. Your's in the Bond Bob... Michael Clason #129
Kevin Amsler
January 3, 2020
Bob Byrd was a friend o f mine dating back to early childhood in west Lafayette Indiana. He was truly a person I admired. Although our paths went in different directions, we stayed in contact over the years sharing each other's family lives. He was so proud of his children. I will miss him dearly. Love you Bob!
Marianne Hocking
January 2, 2020
I met Robert Byrd while attending the funeral of a dear friend at the Federated Church. Yes, talk about an outgoing personality: that he most certainly had. He spoke of his beautiful wife Diane then playing the piano and that he paid taxes in Benton County, where I'm from. We enjoyed so much quiet conversation and it made the funeral of my dear friend a bit easier and memorable. Thank you "Bob" for your legacy and may you rest in peace and honor.
Lori Schill
January 1, 2020
So Sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. It has been a pleasure knowing and working with you.
Emma Rivers
January 1, 2020
Bobcat was an amazing man!! So sorry to hear of his loss! He has definitely left beautiful memories and impact on every person he encountered.
Michael Johnson
December 30, 2019
Bob made everyone feel as if they were his best friend. I know that when I'd stop by his office with a 5-minute insurance question, he'd spend an hour - literally - showing pictures of grandchildren, sharing stories, talking about human nature and faith. I'd be trying to get away - not because I wasn't enjoying the time (every moment with Bob was enjoyable) or had something better to do, but because I had this feeling that I was taking advantage of his good nature, stealing time when he should have been studying the latest change in insurance regulations or whatever. If he spent this amount of time with one of the least of his friends, I could not see how he could possibly keep up with all the complexities of the insurance field, his clients, his many other friends, his volunteer activities at church and elsewhere, his travels hither and yon with Diane and, of course, the flights to Carolina to see R. Wells and Ginny (and their parents). I would not be surprised if sometime soon should be revealed that he was actually triplets. Except it would be impossible that there should be more than one Bob Byrd.
Darrell and Susie Pike
December 30, 2019
Bob was a classmate of ours at North Central High School in Indianapolis. We recently celebrated our 50th reunion and Bob was instrumental in making sure we were covered properly for our event. We will all miss Bob. God Bless his family at this time.
Kathy McGraw
December 29, 2019
Bob was so full of energy and personality. We enjoyed his conversations and what a sense of humor about life and its circumstances. He wanted everyone to prosper and be a success. Just left us too early! John and Kathy McGraw
Bob Irvin
December 28, 2019
Bob was my Brother in Phi Delta Theta and in life. He always brought a smile to my face, lifted my spirits, and warmed my heart. I love you dearly, Bob Byrd. Rest in Peace dear Brother.
Jim Dickmeyer
December 28, 2019
As Phi Delt's at Ball State, I couldn't begin to mention all the good times had but that was only the beginning of a long standing friendship and brotherhood. We always had each others backs. What a great friend, so many will miss you! May God Bless Bob and his family, Love Jim Dickmeyer
Susan Linson
December 28, 2019
Bob was truly a good guy! I will miss him. He had the heart of a servant and he loved Jesus. I met Bob years ago because he and my late husband, Richard, were in Kiwanis together. I did a lot of business with Bob over the years as well and he always took good care of everything.
Linda Seidel
December 28, 2019
Bob had a personality that was bigger than life and so was his laugh. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and Phi Delt family. Sending our love and prayers to Diane, Julie, Wes and families. With love, Linda and Steve Seidel
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