LEONARD BYRD

Leonard Byrd, age 87, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 7:40 a.m. Sunday, April 5, 2009 at the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, Fort Wayne where he had been admitted last Tuesday. Born on December 12, 1921 in Menifee County, KY he was the son of Amos Davis and Georgia Florence (Dennison) Byrd. He grew up in Noble County, IN until 1937 when he moved to Allen County, IN. In 1946 he moved to Churubusco, IN and then in 1968 he moved to Columbia City. He attended Haag School, Noble County, IN. Leonard served with the United States Navy during WWII from 1941-1946. On April 14, 1944, he married Betty Guillaume in Churubusco, IN. He worked for Dana Corporation in Fort Wayne for 34 1/2 years. He was a member of the Scottish Rite, 32 Degree, Fort Wayne, Masonic Lodge #515, American Legion Post #157 and the V.F.W. Post #3846 all in Churubusco, IN.Survivors include his wife, Betty Byrd of Columbia City, IN; 3 daughters, Shirley Brommer and Karen (Tom) Rehrer both of Columbia City, Pam (Jack) Nicodemus formerly of Churubusco, IN and most recently The Villages, FL; 2 sons, Gary (Susie) Byrd and Terry (Carolyn) Byrd both of Churubusco, IN; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren and 3 step great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 9 brothers and sisters, Verl, Mae, Goldie, Cordia, Velva, Hershell, Ivan, Lucille and Garet Byrd.Visitation is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN with Masonic Lodge Twilight services at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday conducted by Churubusco Masonic Lodge #515. Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at the funeral home with Pastor Larry Smith of Wesley Chapel Church, Churubusco. Burial will follow at Eel River Cemetery, rural Churubusco. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Churubusco American Legion Post #157. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Byrd to the American Diabetes Association or Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.