John A. Byrd

Mr. John Arthur Byrd was born November 22, 1925 in Laurens County, South Carolina to Geneva Cheeks Byrd and Otis Byrd. He received his elementary and secondary education in the South Carolina public schools before moving to Indianapolis, Indian in 1953. He was employed by Indiana Bell for many years before retiring in 1985. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and traveling back home to South Carolina. In his early years he enjoyed many sports especially baseball and even played on an organized Negro League.John professed a love of Christ at a very early age and was a loving, dedicated and active member of All Friends Missionary Baptist Church until his passing. Over the years Deacon Byrd held many positions within the church including serving on the Board of Directors, the Male Choir and being a Deacon. John loved his church and loved serving the Lord.John was also a proud life-time member of the INDIANA FREEMASONS and was Past Master of Central Lodge No.1 Mr. John Arthur Byrd was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 27, 2012 at the age of 86 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Emma Lee and one grandson George Wilson.He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life, daughters, Mattie Mae Byrd, Betty Baker (Husband, Kenneth), Elizabeth Wisdom, Dianna Byrd, Mary Kidd and Jeannette Perry all of Indianapolis, Indiana. One son John O. Byrd (Wife Loretta) also of Indianapolis; three sister: Lenora Pinson of Greenville, South Carolina, Anna Ruth Grays (Husband Willie) and Geneva Langston (Husband, John) both of Indianapolis, Indiana; fourteen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson and special friend Minnie Williams and a host of other relatives and friends.Funeral Service will be held Saturday, February 4, 2012 11:00 a.m. at All Friends Missionary Baptist Church 2740 Kessler Drive, with calling from 9:00 a.m. to Service. Burial Crown Hill Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Williams & Bluitt Funeral Home, 5252 East 38th. Street.