Bob Halbert Byrd Jr.

Bob Halbert Byrd Jr. 78, of Corona, NM, passed away on May 2, 2025. Memorial service to be held at a later date.
Bob was born on November 6, 1946, to Bob H. Byrd, Sr. and Betty Dell Winstead in San Angelo, Texas. At the age of 3, Bob's family moved to Albuquerque, NM while they built their home on the ranch in Vaughn, NM. Bob attended school in Albuquerque, NM, Vaughn, NM and graduated from Roswell High in 1964. He attended the University of New Mexico where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He also served as a member of the National Guard in Roswell, NM.
He met and married Nora Denise West in 1968 and they moved to the family ranch in Sonora, Texas. Then later moved to Corona, NM in 1971 to another family ranch where he resided and ranched for 54 years. While in Lincoln County, Bob served as an EMT, a school board member the Lincoln County Fair Board, and 4H Leader for 12 years.
Bob is survived by his wife, Denise Byrd of 56 years; his mother-in-law, Myrl West; his daughter, Shannon Lightfoot and husband Cody; daughter, Candice Roberts and husband Rusty; four grandchildren, Boone Roberts and wife Annchen, Cooper Roberts and Fiancé Emma, Jacey Roberts and Hadley Lightfoot and one great-grandchild, Briggs Roberts; sisters-in-law, Judy Byrd, Martha Robinson and Pamela Ogborn and husband David; nephews, Robbie Byrd and wife Margaret and son, Louie; Jason Byrd and wife Sarah and daughter Bree; Colin Byrd and wife Trisha and sons Lucas and Lincoln; and his aunt Nancy Thompson. He is also survived by many beloved cousins in New Mexico and Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Bob H. Byrd Sr. and Betty Dell Winstead, brothers; Richard Allan Byrd and Michael Douglas Byrd and nephew; Christopher Brandon Byrd.
Bob spent his life on the family ranch in Corona, NM raising sheep and cattle. He was a true steward of the land and the livestock he raised.
Bob had a love for art, reading and music that he made sure to share with his family.
I believe
I believe a man's greatest possession is his dignity and that no calling bestows this more abundantly than ranching.
I believe hard work and honest sweat are the building blocks of a person's character.
I believe that ranching, despite its hardships and disappointments, is the most honest and honorable way a man can spend his days on this earth.
I believe ranching nurtures the close family ties that make life rich in ways that money can't buy.
I believe my children are learning values that will last a lifetime and can be learned no other way.
I believe ranching provides education for life and that no other occupation teaches so much about birth, growth and maturity in such a variety of ways.
I believe many of the best things in life are indeed free: the splendor of a sunrise, the rapture of wide-open spaces, the exhilarating sight of your land greening each spring.
I believe true happiness comes from watching your crops ripen in the field, calves frolicking in the pasture, your children growing tall in the sun, your whole family feeling pride that springs from their shared experience.
I believe that by my toil I am giving more to the world than I am taking from it, an honor that does not come to all men.
I believe my life will be measured ultimately by what I have done for my fellow man, and by this standard I fear my judgement.
I believe when a man grows old and sums up his days, he should be able to stand tall and feel pride in the life he has lived.
I believe in ranching because it makes all this possible.
-Author Unknown
Arrangements have been entrusted to Muffley Funeral Home. www.muffleyfuneralhome.com, (575)762-4435.