TSGT Howard Earl Byrd

Funeral services for Howard Earl Byrd 84, of Zwolle, Louisiana will be held on Monday June 4, 2018 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Zwolle with Bro. Jerry Penfield officiating. Burial will follow at Wallace Cemetery in Pelican, Louisiana. Visitation will be held on Monday June 4, 2018 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Church. Howard Earl Byrd was born on July 11, 1933 in North Carolina. He passed away on Tuesday May 29, 2018 at Sabine Retirement Center in Many, Louisiana. Heaven sent its' angels to take another angel home. Earl was preceded in death by his precious wife, Dorothy Louise Byrd, his Dot as he liked to call her. His brother and sister-in-law, Louis and Jean Straughan. His Barlow brother-in-laws: John, Raymond, Marlin and David. Earl married Dorothy Louise Barlow in April of 1953. Earl joined the Air Force before his marriage to Dorothy. He worked his way up to the rank of Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. He had numerous overseas and stateside assignments. Two of his most notable overseas assignments were the time he and Dorothy spent in Japan and Spain. After serving and retiring in the Air Force, Earl worked with repair of airplanes. He also was an insurance salesman for Paul Revere Insurance Company working closely with his brother-in-law, Louis. He finally retired to owning a home on Toledo Bend Lake in Zwolle, Louisiana. Earl Byrd was strong in his religious faith. He was a very dedicated and loving Christian man. He was blessed to be a deacon at First Baptist Church in Zwolle for many years. Earl was very involved with the men's ministry of his church. His church became his life after the death of his precious wife. He is survived by one son Lennon Robert Byrd of Slidell, Louisiana. His three grandchildren: Lindsay Byrd of Cheraw, South Carolina, Robi Byrd of Slidell, Louisiana and Alison Byrd of Slidell, Louisiana. His brother-in-law, Ollie Barlow of Shreveport, Louisiana. Also his niece Sandra Woodward and her husband Russell Woodward of Oklahoma City. Also a host of great nieces, nephews and friends. A thank you to a special lady, Sharon Pearce who Earl hand-picked to be his caregiver. Also his neighbor Mattie Sepulvado and her family who lived next to Earl for many years. She checked on him regularly after he began having deteriorating health. Thanks to Sabine Retirement Center and also hospice for the good care they gave Earl. We love you Earl and you will certainly be missed by your family and friends. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7.