Derward Clenond Byrd November 5, 1932 – April 2, 2020

Derward Byrd passed away at his home in Salem at age 87. A son of C.K. and Mamie Jones Byrd, he was born in Lee County, where he became a 1950 graduate of Moro High School.

He served in the US Army from December 2, 1954, to November 30, 1962. He was assigned to the Armed Field Artillery Battalion and served a tour in Germany. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and upon discharge, continued patriotism through American Legion Post 68 in Brinkley. He was a lifetime farmer and served thirty years on the Farm Bureau Board. Associated membership included the Cattleman Association, Quorum Court, and American Red Cross.

Derward met Virginia Geisler during a daily drive from the Moro Gin to Little Rock. He often stopped at Brinkley’s Dusek Drug Store, where she worked. Their friendship led to marriage and together with her three children and Alan, became a happy family of six. He was a lifelong member of the Salem United Methodist Church, (serving as treasurer for 50 years), Methodist District Men’s Club and overseer for the Salem Cemetery.

Preceding in death were his parents; children, Gary Fortenberry, Mike Fortenberry, and Karen Fortenberry Crisp; and siblings, Kenneth Byrd, Romey Byrd, and Letha Wheeler. Immediate survivors include his wife, Virginia Byrd; son, Alan and Devonda Byrd, of Little Rock; great-grandson, Greg Fortenberry, of Palestine; brother, A.D. and Bonnie Byrd, of Salem; and sister, E.J. Wright, of Marianna; grandchildren, Lillie Byrd, Collier Byrd, Kindale Briggs, Brandy Fortenberry, and Camille Smith; and seven great-grandchildren.

Graveside Services, with military honors, were April 4 at Salem Cemetery by Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home in Brinkley.