Orbie A. Byrd

Orbie A. Byrd, 87, of Washington, passed away at 11:06 p.m. June 25 at Washington Christian Village, Washington, Ill.

He was born May 21, 1929, in Russellville to Claude and Lina Mae Franks Byrd. He married Ellie Mayfield March 17, 1951. She survives. Also surviving are three children, Michael and wife Cindy Byrd of Washington, Ill., Beckie and husband Jeff Gibson of Naperville, Ill., and Kevin and wife Julie Byrd of Washington, Ill.; six grandchildren, Angela and husband Cory Uftring, Cory Byrd, Wesley and wife Tonya Gibson, Dustin and wife Jennifer Gibson, Brooke Gibson and Samuel Byrd; five great-grandchildren; and his sister, Evola Taylor and spouse Harvey. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Orbie was a U.S. Army veteran and was proud of being in the Big Red One 1st Infantry Division. He worked at Caterpillar Inc. and owned Byrds Barber Shop in Washington, Ill., for 55 years before retiring.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 100 in Washington, Ill.,, Taylor Lodge A.F. & A.M. #98 in Washington, Ill., and Mohammed Temple Shrine, Scottish Rite Bodies Valley of Peoria. Orbie was a master carver and enjoyed golf, fishing and the Chicago Cubs.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or Alzheimer’s Association.

Visitation was held from 4-6 p.m. June 28 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, Ill. His funeral service was at 10 a.m. June 29 at the funeral home with the Rev. Dan Doty officiating. Burial followed at Glendale Cemetery in Washington.

Orbie’s memorial website is available at www.deitersunferlhome.com where condolences may also be sent to the family.