Loren E. Byrd

Loren E. Byrd, age 96, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 10:15 P.M. on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at Centralia Manor in Centralia, Illinois.  He was born on December 28, 1921 in Scottville, Illinois, the son of the late Lester T., Sr. and Eliza (Laxton) Byrd.  He married Dorothy K. Winemiller on April 17, 1943 at the Faith United Methodist Church parsonage in Wamac, Illinois and she preceded him in death on November 18, 1990.  He later married Vera Elizabeth Hollis on September 5, 1992 in Centralia, Illinois and she preceded him in death on July 2, 2014.

Mr. Byrd is survived by his daughter, Brenda Kay (Byrd) Holle and husband Tom of Centralia, Illinois; sisters, Ruth (Byrd) Venezia of Centralia, Illinois, Sara (Byrd-Denton) Baun of Nashville, Tennessee and Mildred (Byrd) Hutchinson of Pamplico, South Carolina; brother, Lester T. Byrd, Jr. and wife Permelia of Centralia, Illinois and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wives, Mr. Byrd was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Melvin Byrd; son-in-law, Jim Hollingsworth and brothers-in-law, Venzia Venezia, Ron Denton, Glenn Baun and David Hutchinson.

Mr. Byrd was an active member of the Faith United Methodist Church in Wamac, Illinois, now known as Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Centralia, Illinois.  As a member of the church, he was a Lay Leader for 30 years, Sunday School Teacher for many years, member of the United Methodist Men and a member of the church choir.  He was a member of the Centralia V.F.W. Post 2055 and Centralia American Legion Post 446.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving his country during World War II in England, France and Germany before being discharged in 1946.  Mr. Byrd enjoyed being outdoors, especially fishing and camping with the Raccoon Ramblers.  He cherished the time he spent with his family and friends.

After being discharged from the U.S. Army, Mr. Byrd went to work for the U.S. Postal Service in Centralia, Illinois and retired as a supervisor in 1976 after 25 years of service.  After his retirement, he held many part-time jobs with his last one being Ace Hardware in Centralia, Illinois for 9 years with his retirement in 1993.  Mr. Byrd graduated with the New Berlin High School’s “Class of 1939.”  He has lived in Centralia, Illinois since 1939.

A Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Loren E. Byrd will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, June 4, 2018 at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois with Pastor Mark Doane officiating.  Interment will follow in Old Union Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Illinois.  Military Honors will be accorded by the Mount Vernon American Legion Post 141.  Family and friends are invited to visit with Mr. Byrd’s family from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, June 4, 2018 at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Byrd’s memory to the Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Centralia, Illinois or Charity of Donor’s Choice and will be received by the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois.  Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mr. Byrd’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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