Mark Joseph BYRD

03/02/1957 - 04/24/2014

BYRD, Mark Joseph Mark Joseph Byrd passed away April 24, 2014 in Yakima Washington. Mark was born March 2, 1957 in Martin City, Montana, moved with his family to Spokane, Washington in 1964, and then to Colfax, Washington several years later. He was the sixth child of a family of thirteen children born to Jody Byrd-Liotta. Mark was raised on the family farm and attended Colfax grade school and high school. After high school Mark proudly served his country in the Marine Corps as an embassy guard in Leningrad Russia for two years during the cold war and then two years in New Zealand. After completing his tour of duty Mark attended Carroll College in Helena, Montana, where numerous family members have and currently do attend. Mark lived in Helena for several years and began a sales career with Schwan's, of which he gained national awards and recognition for his sales abilities. Mark relocated to Spokane, married and began a family which includes five beautiful girls. At this time also, Mark started his main career of long haul truck driving. Mark had roots in truck driving as his dad, Duane Byrd, also drove a logging truck. Mark would say his heart pined when he saw a logging truck on the road as it reminded him of his dad. Survivors include Mark's daughters: Angelique, Mariah, Marquette, Aunnica and Breeaunna; three brothers and eight sisters, Michael Byrd (Char), Guy Byrd (Shawna) and Charles Liotta; Patricia Byrd-Shadden (Phillip), Karen Byrd-Orlando (Ron), Theresa Byrd-Hollis (Skip), Annette Byrd-Fischer (Bernie), Yvonne Byrd-Adams, Joanne Byrd-Eng (Terry), Maria Liotta-Schindler, Anna Liotta; and step mother, Corriene Thompson-Liotta as well as her five children. Mark was preceded in death by parents, Duane Byrd, Jody Kartheiser-Byrd-Liotta (Al Liotta); and Mark's oldest sister; Bernida Marie Byrd. A Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, May 9th at 12:00 noon, Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Church in Selah, WA. In memory of Mark, a memorial fund managed by Mike and Char Byrd has been set up for the support of his five daughters. You are invited to participate and donate on line at: https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/plk4/mark-byrd-s-kids-fund