Donald Byrd

Donald Joe Byrd, known as “Don” to family and friends was born on July 28, 1932, the only child of Horace Garland Byrd and Avis Gira (Hays) Byrd. He was born in Claiborne Parish at his family home.

Don passed away on July 28, 2026 at the Claiborne Memorial Medical Center after a brief illness.

He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church Hurricane. He was employed with Western Geophysical Company for thirteen and a half years, then with Roadway Express for eight and a half years, then seven years with Conger’s Funeral Home, and finally eighteen years with Rose-Neath Funeral Home, in Arcadia. He met the love of his life, Mary Sutton Milam while working for Rose-Neath. They were a lovely pair and he adored her.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his devoted wife, Mary.

He is survived by his step-son, Danny N. Milam, Sr. and wife Helaine; two grandsons, Danny “Dee” Milam, Jr. and wife Deidre, Trae Milam and wife Caitlin; one granddaughter, Theresa Milam Mattox and husband Chris; several great-grandchildren, as well as his first cousin, Jackie Byrd James, whom he also adored.

Visitation will be held at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Homer, LA, on Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 1-2 P.M., with the funeral to follow at 2 P.M. The service is to be officiated by retired pastor and friend, Dr. Clint Davis of Mt. Pleasant, Texas. Interment will follow at Hurricane Cemetery in the Hurricane Community of Claiborne Parish.

Pallbearers will be Chris Mattox, Danny N. Milam, Jr., Trae Milam, Reid Griffin, Mitch Kirkpatrick, and Sno Spurlock. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Garland and Andy Shehee.

The family would like to thank Dr. Clifton Salmon, MD and Camille Wise, NP, as well as the staff and administration of Claiborne Memorial Medical Center, and Presbyterian Village of Homer for the compassion and care of our loved one.

Memorials may be made in Don’s honor to Emmanuel Baptist Church Hurricane and/or the Hurricane Cemetery Association.

Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Homer Chapel (318) 927-6110

www.rose-neath.com