Kenneth Leslie Byrd, age 74, passed away Saturday, July 16, 2016 at his home in Delta, Utah. He was born on January 26, 1942 in Pontiac, Michigan, the first child of Fred Leslie and Leona May Hefner Byrd. He grew up in Pontiac with 2 younger brothers and a little sister. He graduated from Pontiac Central High School in 1960. Shortly after, he enlisted in the US Army, serving mainly in Germany (1965-1967).
After leaving the service he moved to California. He made a trip to visit a friend in Salt Lake City. While waiting for him, he saw a chance to help a woman carry a large box up a flight of stairs. The woman introduced Ken to her daughter. The result of his visit – Rita Webb and Ken were married on September 8, 1973 in Delta, Utah.
They made their home in Delta, where Ken worked for Ace Hardware. He later was hired as a Union Pacific Railroad Section Man, retiring in 2006.
Ken was baptized as member of the LDS Church in June of 2013. He served as a ward missionary.
Ken loved to fish, gardening and collecting things. He was very proud of his family and was always willing to support them. He loved to tell jokes and brag about his family.
Ken is survived by his wife: Rita, Delta; sons: Kyle (Emily) Byrd, Kearns; Ryan (Shanell) Byrd, Spanish Fork; grandchildren: Vaneja, Isaac, Leah, Megan, Bridger, Austin, Addison, Brooklyn, Boston; brother: Daniel Byrd; sister: Donna Switzer, Rochester Hills, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his brother: David.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 21, at 11:30 a.m., at the Delta 3rd/4th Ward LDS Chapel, 197 S. 300 W., Delta. A viewing will be held Thursday, 10:00-11:10 a.m., prior to the service. Burial with military honors will be in the Hinckley Cemetery.