Donald R. Byrd

Donald R. Byrd Sr., 72 of Pekin, IL passed away at 3:30 PM Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at his home. Don was born July 7, 1941 in Peoria, IL to Luther N. and Grace (Bateman) Byrd. He was married to Doris L. Cowan Walker for seventeen years. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, John Larimore and one sister, Doris Covington. Surviving is: one son, Donald (Rebecca) Byrd Jr. of Peoria Heights, IL; one daughter, Mary (Francis) Tanguilig of Monterey, CA; one grandson, Benjamin R. Byrd of Peoria Heights, IL; one brother, Dick (Sue) Byrd of Delavan, IL; five sisters, Imy Burwell of Washington, IL, Carolyn Perrilles of Missouri, Shirley (Don) Klokkenga of Northsville, MI, Patricia (Dick) LaHood of Washington, IL, Judy Weaver of Creve Coeur, IL, and many nieces and nephews. Don was a veteran of the United States Army 1958-61 Tank Division. He was a member of the William Schafer Post #44 of theAmerican Legion Pekin, ILand Pekin Fraternal Order of Eagles. He owned Byrd's Pizza, Bartonville, IL and then Papa Don's Pizza throughout Central Illinois. Don created the Gonzilla sandwich that is now served at Dave's Pizza in Bartonville. Don was a member of Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall of Pekin. He enjoyed watercolor painting, gardening and cooking especially pizza. Memorial services will be at 11:00 am Saturday, July 12, 2014 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin, IL. Visitation will be from 10:00 am - 11:00 am Saturday at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded with private burial of the remains at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Illinois Neurological Institute Stroke Center at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. Cemetery Lakeside Cemetery 1917 N. 8th St. Pekin,IL 61554 Memorial service Saturday, July 12, 2014 11:00 AM delete Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Saturday, July 12, 2014 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM delete Pekin,IL 61554