Richard T. Byrd

Richard T. Byrd , 69, of Ft. Wayne, Indiana passed away on September 15, 2018 at his residence following a brief illness related to his heart condition.

He was born on Saturday, May 28, 1949 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, the son of the late Jack Byrd and the late Helen (Detamore) Byrd. He married Arleen Schueler on June 29, 1996 in Bloomington, Indiana and she survives.

Richard was an honorably discharged member of the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War.

Richard retired from Navistar after working in the Ft. Wayne operation for 19 years until it closed and then transferring to the Springfield, Ohio plant until he retired.

Survivors include his wife, Arleen Byrd of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; son, Joel Byrd of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; step-son, Marcus Byrd of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; sister, Jacqueline Byrd of Bloomington, Indiana; brother, William Byrd of Lady Lake, Florida; half-sister, Judy Capes of Leesburg, Indiana; half-brother, Steve Byrd of Diamondhead, Mississippi; half-brother, Tom Zachrich of Angola, Indiana; six grandchildren, Briana Byrd, Adalyn Byrd, Aurora Byrd, Noah Byrd, Evan Byrd, and Mykell Byrd.

He was preceded in death by a son, Eric Byrd and a brother, Mike Byrd.

In following Richard’s wishes, private family services will be held at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home prior to cremation.

Preferred memorials can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church - Preble or Wyneken Lutheran School.