Byrt Scammel

Byrt Curtis Scammel, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin and uncle, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2012. Byrt was born in Dallas, Texas on September 24, 1924 to Harry Collier and Virginia (Schultz) Scammel and grew up in the Lakewood area. He is preceded in death by his brothers Richard and Lawrence, and half brothers Lindsay and Victor.

Byrt is survived by his precious wife (Leah) Glenda Baker Scammel; sons Glenn, Greg and Mark Scammel; daughters Tresa Scammel, Cindy Brewington, Cathy Reed and husband Roy; grandchildren: Elizabeth and Robert Stutts, Natalie and Summer Reed, and Mary Peyton Brewington.

Byrt attended Woodrow Wilson High School and served in the Armed Air Services as a B-29 radio operator. During that time, city boy Byrt met cute country girl Glenda Baker. They married June 2, 1946, celebrating their 66th anniversary this summer. Glenda and Byrt were lifelong companions and soul mates. They were together whenever possible.

After marrying Glenda and starting a family, Byrt earned a B.S. degree in electrical engineering from SMU. Finding a job was not hard for Byrt. He had an engaging personality and never forgot your name. Byrt had a long term career at Honeywell, then, in 1958, started his own business, Airep Electronics. He and Glenda grew a successful manufacturer’s sales representative company specializing in microwave, radio technology and defense. They also bought property in Freestone and Navarro Counties and began raising registered red angus/brangus cattle, and Shetland ponies on Flying S Ranch. Byrt could fix anything and loved to tinker. He was as comfortable in a suit calling on clients, as he was wearing blue jeans driving Big John, his favorite tractor.

Anyone who ever met Byrt noticed his gentle and compassionate nature. Byrt lived his faith in the Lord on a daily basis, always putting others first. He was a devoted father, unconditionally loving and sacrificing many things on his children’s behalf. All the children were afforded the benefits of a Catholic education at St. Thomas, Jesuit and Ursuline, then the university of their choice. Byrt was an active parishioner at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and School. He was immensely proud of his three sons reaching Eagle Scout; and his three daughters who gave him the grandchildren he loved so dearly.

A lifelong aviation enthusiast, after receiving his private pilot’s license, he owned and flew three light aircraft: first a Cessna 140, then a Cessna 175 Skylark, and finally, his favorite, a Piper Cherokee Arrow. Byrt logged more than 2000 hours on business and pleasure flights. He founded the Texas Pilots Association in 1983, a group dedicated to furthering general aviation.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to his and Glenda’s loving and gentle caregivers, and many staff at Presbyterian Village North for making their lives so enjoyable. Their support, accommodation, faith and compassion were unwavering.

Rosary and reception, Sunday, July 22, 7:00PM Sparkman Richardson, 1029 S. Greenville Ave. Funeral and reception, Monday, July 23, 10:00AM, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 6306 Kenwood Ave, Dallas. Private burial, Tuesday, July 24, DFW National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. To convey condolences or to sign an online registry, please visit www.dignitymemorial.com.