Jack Byrd

Jack Byrd, lovingly known as “Papa” of McGregor left this Earth to be forever in the presence of our Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, June 2, 2011, at the age of 78. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at First Baptist Church, 700 West Sixth Street, McGregor with Grandson Patrick Chaney and brother-in-law, Dewy Watson officiating. Interment with military honors, will follow at McGregor Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Cole Funeral Home, 1113 West Fifth Street, McGregor.

Jack was born February 7, 1933, in Coryell City, Texas, the son of the late A.D. and Myrtle (Johnson) Byrd and attended school in Crawford. From 1950 to his honorable discharge, he served his country in the United States Navy on the USS Willis A. Lee, a Destroyer Leader. He was a member of the Tin Can Sailors , the American Legion and a proud member of Local Pipefitters Union 529. On August 18, 1951, Jack married the love of his life, LaWanda Ann Henager in Crawford. After fifty-five years of marriage, LaWanda went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 27, 2006.

Jack, known as Papa to his beloved grandchildren left a legacy of a loving, God centered family. He was a member of First Baptist Church of McGregor and enjoyed drag car racing, deep sea fishing, deer hunting, and gardening. Jack could fill a room with laughter often displaying his quick wit and sense of humor. Jack had a welcoming presence for people…he never met a stranger. He will be remembered by his family and friends as man of integrity, laughter, and love. Though Jack will be greatly missed his legacy will live on through the lives of his daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Also preceding him in death were two brothers, Eugene Byrd and Benny Byrd, Sr., a grandson, Jeremy Collins, a great grandson, Caleb McClaren and a grandson-in-law, Dan McClaren.

Survivors include three daughters, Jackie Watson and husband Mike, Sherri Collins and husband Charles both of McGregor, Donna Hall and husband John of Waco; a brother Doug Byrd and wife Mary of McGregor; a sister, Sue Betros of Hewitt; a mother-in-law, Vida Fehler, a brother-in-law, Donald Henager and wife Joan, three sister-in-laws, Glenda Watson and husband Dewey, Carol Masters and husband Benny, Elaine Stallings and husband Bob; eight grandchildren, Kristy (Watson) McClaren, Michael Jack Watson, Amber (Hall) Harris, Amanda (Collins) Schwartinsky, Shea (Collins) Diaz, Justin Collins, Lindsay (Watson) Chaney, Cody Hall; eleven great grandchildren, Tyler McClaren, Colby McClaren, Jeremy Diaz, Everett Watson, Emily Watson, Kayleigh Collins, Jack Watson, Madison Diaz, Avery Schwartinsky, Kaden Collins, Kyndall Collins, his beloved dog Tinker and numerous nieces, nephews and many dear and wonderful friends.

Active casketbearers will be Michael Jack Watson, Justin Collins, Cody Hall, Michael Diaz, Craig Schwartinsky, Tyler McClaren, and Colby McClaren. Honorary casketbearers will be Jeremy Diaz, Everett Watson, Jack Watson and Kaden Collins.

For those desiring, the family has suggested First Baptist Church, 700 West Sixth Street, McGregor, Texas 76657 for memorial contributions.