Daniel Okley Byrd

Daniel Okley Byrd, 64, of Washington, died Monday, April 6, 2009, in Veterans Administration Medical Center, Pittsburgh. He was born May 13, 1944, in Washington, a son of the late Archie Frank Byrd and Tosie Varner Byrd. Mr. Byrd was a graduate of Trinity High School and optician school. Since 1986, he was employed as an optician at Byrd Optical Center, Morgantown, West Virginia. He was a member of Washington Alliance Church. Mr. Byrd enjoyed feeding deer at the cemetery, woodworking, fishing and taking car rides with his friend, Leon Ashmore. Presently, he was taking Spanish classes with Jocelyn Tavar. Mr. Byrd was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He served from 1962 until 1968 and was stationed in North Dakota and Panama. On April 12, 1969, he married Diane DeThomas, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Christina Byrd; a brother, Keith Byrd; a sister, Sandra Riddle, all of Washington; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are a brother, Douglas Byrd, and a sister, Beverly Dean. Friends will be received 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 9th, in Washington Alliance Church, with Pastor James Newman officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Washington Alliance Church Building Fund, 246 Sanitarium Road, Washington PA 15301.