Roll Call Tribute

Byrd Howell Menard, Jr. 

August 27, 1933 - December 25, 2023 

Byrd Howell Menard, Jr., 90, passed away at his home on December 25, 2023. Mr. Menard was born on August 27, 1933 in Seabrook, TX to Byrd Sr. and Florence (Gale) Menard. A funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, December 29, 2023, at Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Still Waters Memorial Gardens, Jacksonville.

The life of Byrd Menard, Jr. is one that can be characterized in so many ways, all of which are related to service and sacrifice. Byrd was dedicated to his pursuits and gave his best efforts to all his commitments. He was well accomplished and highly respected by his peers and fellow colleagues. Byrd’s passion was for education, and he excelled as both a teacher and coach as well as a principal for an excess of twenty years. His career began at Corpus Christi before he moved on to serve the Clear Creek ISD. His final assignments in public education were as principal of Seabrook Intermediate and Clear Lake High School. Byrd successfully completed his undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University and finalized his master’s degree at Sam Houston State.

Byrd’s style of servant leadership benefited many. He was a humble man who never sought out recognition for his many achievements. He simply invested much in the lives of his students, maintained a consistent presence and as a result left a lasting mark on the hearts of those around him. His example was one worth following as he was often the first to arrive and the last to leave.

All that said, Byrd’s top priority was his family. In fact, when the United States Army offered opportunities for military advancement, Byrd declined and chose, rather to take a different route as to ensure time with those closest to him. Byrd adored his wife Claude of 62 years and never passed up a chance to spend time with those he loved. He also took the role of father seriously and always attended his children’s events. Byrd was invested and involved, both of which were observable and measurable in unmistakable fashion. By this world’s standard, he was certainly a good man.

Byrd was a man of faith and a member of Green Acres Baptist Church. He was an instrument of God’s righteousness, used by Him to reach into the lives of many and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents; son, Ward Lewis Menard and grandson, Mitchell Lewis Menard.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 62 years, Claude Elaine Menard of Jacksonville; son, Darryl Menard and wife Stacey of Seabrook; daughter-in-law, Linda Tracy and husband Dion of Jacksonville; and siblings, Rosemarie Shannon of Jacksonville, Marilyn Almon and husband Clay of Orlando, Fl., and Terrence Lee Menard of Jacksonville. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Michael Christopher Menard and wife Lauren and Abbey Elaine Menard; great-grandson, Benjamin Lewis Menard and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Darryl Menard, Michael Menard, Terry Menard, Clay Almon, Mike Woodard and Bill Parker.