Herman Byrd
A Memorial Service for Herman Clyde Byrd, Jr., 65, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 18, 2016 at First United Methodist Church, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Byrd passed away Saturday, November 12, 2016 at his home.
He was born October 13, 1951 at Knoxville, Tennessee to Herman C. Byrd and Dorothy (Nitchmann) Byrd. On August 25, 1973 he was married to Wanda West. Herman graduated from McCluer High School in 1970 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Education Degree from Central Methodist University in 1974. He completed his Master of Science in Education Degree at Missouri State University in 1979, where he was graduate assistant to Robert M. Scott in the Band program. Herman taught band in the public schools of Blair Oaks (1974-1975), Vienna (1975-1978), Potosi (1979-1981), Salem (1981-1985) and West Plains (1985 -2004) where his bands consistently received Honor ratings at state music contests. Since retiring from full time teaching in 2004, Herman has served as a festival judge and clinician throughout the state.
Herman is a member of professional organizations including NAfME/MMEA, Missouri Bandmasters Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Phi Beta Mu. In 2001 he received the first John East Spirit of Orpheus Award. He enjoyed fly fishing and hunting whenever he could. He was active in the United Methodist Church, serving as Lay Leader, Sunday School Teacher, and Music Director at Open Door Worship Center. He loved attending Heartland Ecumenical Camino Weekends.
He is survived by his wife Wanda of the family home; one daughter, Allyson Tipton and her husband, Curtis, Springfield, Missouri; one son, Bryan Byrd and his wife, Christin, Tecumseh, Missouri; four grandchildren, who were the loves of his life, Quincy, Ella and Tess Tipton and Caleb Byrd; one brother, Jim Byrd, West Plains, Missouri; and many loving family members, friends, students, and colleagues.
His parents and grandparents precede him in death.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to The Herman Byrd Music Scholarship Fund for Central Methodist University or the First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir Fund and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Kevin Crowley
November 14, 2016 @ 1:29 pm
Prayers to all Herman’s family. Herman was such a beloved figure in the high school band world. One of my favorite experiences with Herman was when we judged a festival together at Bolivar, then went fly fishing at Bennett Springs the following day. Herman loved everyone he met and was always one of the first to offer assistance to anyone in need.
Rusty Swift
November 14, 2016 @ 2:46 pm
Prayers and condolences to Wanda and all of Herman’s family. I first met Herman through Camino, but it didn’t take long before we connected on our shared passion for music. Herman (and Wanda) were quick to open their home during one of our Camino weekends – which was a real source of refuge 🙂 He will be missed.
Guy and Chris Lombardo
November 14, 2016 @ 2:48 pm
Prayers for the family. Grace, peace, strength and comfort from above. The time spent at Camino Events were always more joyful with Herman around. We will miss you my brother but look forward to a glorious reunion one day!! DeColores!!
Bo & Sunie Pace
November 14, 2016 @ 4:19 pm
We send our deepest sympathy to the entire Bryd family. Herman touched so many and will surely missed by all. He was a special, special man. Bo & Sunie Pace
Dee Stephenson
November 14, 2016 @ 8:58 pm
Prayers for comfort and sympathy, condolences the Herman Byrd family. Many fantastic memories of his kindness, voice and presence at First United Methodist Church of West Plains and the community overall. Love to Helen and all!
Barbara Alsup
November 14, 2016 @ 9:25 pm
Wanda, your church family was so saddened when we heard of Herman’s passing. He will be greatly missed by all of us. His beautiful voice was a gift he shared with everyone, and I am sure he is an important addition to the heavenly choir. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God grant peace and comfort to you.
Hassel and Alice Vandergriff
November 15, 2016 @ 6:08 am
We are so very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed very much working with Herman at the high school. He was always cheerful and friendly, and was loved and respected by his colleagues and students. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mozelle
November 15, 2016 @ 3:34 pm
So sorry, Wanda, to know you are alone now. I can almost see Herman and Wanda as I knew them in Vienna, and all my memories of you both are good ones. Later I’ll tell you more but for now, just have regrets that he is gone so soon. Love, Mozelle
Jan Wichern
November 16, 2016 @ 11:10 am
Wanda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I enjoyed working with Herman at South Fork.
Jessica Joice- Frazier
November 16, 2016 @ 1:07 pm
During the hardest times please realize the impact this man left, he left a legacy in the hearts and lives of so many that will carry on forever!! I know he impacted me .. Thinking of your family during this horrible time and the many days to come.. All my love, Jessica
Cindy Craig
November 16, 2016 @ 1:35 pm
Wanda – I am so sorry to hear of your loss. And my deepest condolences to you, and your entire family.
Andy Waynick
November 16, 2016 @ 7:06 pm
I just heard the sad news of Herman’s death. I extend my deepest sympathy to Wanda and all of Herman’s multi-generation family. I am praying for the Lord’s strenght and peace in this very difficult time. Although I have not seen Herman in many, many years, my memories of him are very clear. Herman was a good musician and a good friend. In college, he was just one of those people who was always friendly and kind. When I read of what Herman has accomplished, I am very happy in knowing that he had a rich life that touched so many in a way that left them better than what they were before. And that includes me even after all these years. Andy Waynick
Mary Kellum
November 17, 2016 @ 2:44 pm
Grace, peace, and mercy to all of Herman’s family. Herman was a wonderful man and a very fine educator. I enjoyed sharing my years in R-7 with him. I will always remember when we had to go to the basement at South Fork for a tornado. He was so good and kind to the students and reassured them that we were in a safe place. This is just one of the many good memories I have of him. I will miss him. Wanda, my heart is with you and you are in my prayers. Mary Kellum
Elenna Calhoun
November 17, 2016 @ 7:08 pm
My condolences to the Byrd family. Mr. Byrd was my band director all through high school and I have many fond memories of him. He was an awesome guy!
Dan Cotton
November 17, 2016 @ 9:07 pm
I am sad to hear of Herman’s passing. Condolences to Wanda and other members of the family. I was blessed to have known Herman at Central Methodist University. We were fraternity brothers and friends. He had a wonderful life with many blessings. A great fellow, a great Sinfonian, wonderful father who had an impact on all those who are the opportunity to know him.
Jane Hicklin
November 18, 2016 @ 10:12 pm
What a special man….Herman and I went to the same college -CMC – but not at the same time. I first got to know him through alumni band and over the years we became good friends. We talked on many occasions at alumni band, MBA summer convention, MMEA and other times when we would run into each other. Herman was smart, funny, genuine, and just an all around great guy. I will really miss him so very much….hard to believe he is gone, but I know he was a Christian and that he is now in heaven with our Savior and Lord.