Roll Call Tribute

Joseph Albert Byrd Joseph Albert Byrd was born in Iowa City, Iowa to Joe Henry and Marion Elbert Byrd on September 8, 1947. He passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2010, in Houston, Texas. After graduating from Texas City High School, he attended Texas A & M University, was a 4-year member of the Corps of Cadets, graduating in 1969. Service in the Army followed, with a tour in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Following service to his country, Joe began a career in the petrochemical construction industry that lasted almost 35 years. First employed with Morrison Construction, he joined Byrd Engineering and Construction Company in the mid 1970's. He served in various critical roles in the executive management of Byrd Engineering, Callie Construction Company, and Texas City Fabricating. Joe joined Ayshire Corporation and participated in development projects in downtown Houston, until forced to retire for health reasons in 2006. Joe was active in the NASA Area Little League, coaching several teams and serving as president of the league for many years. He was an avid sportsman, and immensely enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons. He treasured the time he spent hearing his daughter sing at high school and church events. He was an active member of the Mainland Bank Board, and involved in many community projects with the Texas City Kiwanis, serving as local President and Lieutenant Governor of Texas, receiving the George F. Hixon Fellow Award. For the past 20+ years he served as Chairman of the Southwest Laborers' Health and Welfare Fund. He has been a trustee on the Southwest Laborers' Training and Apprenticeship Fund. He also served as Chairman of the Houston Area Laborer's Training Fund prior to their merger. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend to all. He cherished time with his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his love of life, exhibited by laugh, sense of humor, and gregarious personality. He remained a loyal supporter of Texas A & M University. He is survived by his wife of 37-½ years, Linda; their 3 sons and their wives, Joey and Kelli Byrd, Matt and Kate Byrd, Dr. Tim and Naomi Byrd; their daughter Elizabeth and her husband Jeff Olin; and five much loved grandchildren Madelyn Jolise, Helen Grace, Patrick McArthur, Amelia June, and Audrey Coleen Byrd. Also survived by his mother; brothers Robert and Gloria Byrd, Dr. Richard and Kathy Byrd, and Tom Byrd; mother-in-law, Margie Miori; and sister and brother-in-law, Brigette and Sam Hogsed, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, his brother William, his godson Robert Patrick, father-in-law, Paul Miori, and brother-in- law, Ronald Miori. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, March 19, 2010 at Emken-Linton Funeral Home in Texas City, with a Rosary beginning at 7 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Nassau Bay on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. A private graveside will be held at a later date at Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Houston Ronald McDonald House or the charity of your choice. Emken-Linton Funeral Home Published March 18, 2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 2010 The Galveston County Daily News

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