Vincent Byrd

Vincent Byrd, 58, of Junction City, died on June 20, 2012 in San Antonio, Texas. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at the Penwell Gabel Mass-Hinitt Chapel, 805 Caroline Ave, Junction City. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at the Church of Deliverance, 1516 N. Jefferson St., Junction City, KS with Bishops Robert L. and Mary E. Pope officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Fort Riley Cemetery. Memorial contributions have been designated to the Church of Deliverance, 1516 N. Jefferson, Junction City, KS 66441.

Vincent's life began 15 July 1953 as the second born child, the only son of Robert L. Byrd and Annie Lee Peake Byrd in Montgomery Alabama. At the young age of eighteen months, Annie Lee "Peake" Byrd Vincent's mother, passed away. With Robert serving in the US Marine Corp, he sent his daughter Patricia "Byrd" Adams, and his young son Vincent Byrd Sr. to live in Chicago with his wife's sister in-law and Brother Thelma and John Peake.

Vincent, known as Carl grew up in Chicago under the loving care and tutelage of Thelma and John Peake (deceased). He is preceded in death by his cousin John "Skip" Peak Jr., survived by his sister Patricia "Byrd" Adams, and cousin Sandra Ann Peake. He graduated from Hyde Park HS in 1972, to join the U.S. ARMY. Before joining the ARMY Vincent and his high School sweet heart Pauline "Bennett" Byrd had a daughter Thelma Marie Byrd. Vincent and Pauline entered wedded bliss on 17 October 1973.

Vincent's went on to serve an additional 25 years in the U.S Army, being stationed in Fort Riley Kansas, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, two tours in Germany , two tours in Korea, a tour in Zaire Africa, Iraq, and a host of other states. While stationed in APG Maryland, Vincent bore two sons, Vincent C. Byrd Jr., and Mark A. Byrd (deceased). Vincent and Pauline adopted their great niece Brittany "Bennett" Byrd in 2003.

Vincent was the proud grandfather of Erica Byrd Radcliff, KY, Taijah Banks, Radcliff, KY, Nadia Byrd, Cincinnati, OH, Mark A. Byrd II, Cincinnati OH, Ismael Bennett, Radcliff, KY and Rafael Guerrero, Radcliff, KY. Vincent was also the proud Father In- Law of Dana "Crampton" Byrd married to Vince Jr and Jimmie Banks Jr. married to Thelma "Byrd" Banks.

Once retired from the military in June of 1995, Vincent was employed by Engineering & Professional Services Inc. until he was called home on a warm summer night on 20 June 2012 in San Antonio, TX.

Vincent will not only be missed by his Loving and Devoted Wife, Pauline and his Children Thelma, Vince Jr, & Brittany; also by his grandchildren, church family "Church of Deliverance", motorcycle brothers and sisters the "Buffalo Soldiers", the many Soldiers that he's lead and served with over the years and a host of friends and family.

Vincent was many things to many people, a Loving Husband, Stern and Caring Father & Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Son, Leader and Warrior! Vincent will be missed by ALL. We welcome each of you to celebrate the Life and HOME COMING of Vincent Carl Byrd Sr.