The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Darby R. Byrd, Sr., 71, of Orange, died Tuesday, Jan. 7, at Baptist Hospital in Orange.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, Jan. 10, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at First United Methodist Church in Orange, with the Rev. John Warren officiating. A private graveside service will be held on Sunday at Canon Mathis Cemetery in Waller, TX.

Born in Kosse, TX., on May 20, 1942, Darby was the son of Charlie and Adice (Mathis) Byrd.

He worked at the former Orange Savings Bank, retiring as CEO and President, and was currently serving as a board member of First Financial Bank.

He was a member of the Texas Financial Commission, having been appointed by Governor Rick Perry.

A former Orange Citizen of the Year, Darby was an active Rotarian, having previously served as president.

He was a past president of both the Little Cypress Lions Club and the Orange County United Way, was on the Board of the Lamar Foundation as well as the Lutcher Theater Board, and was an active member of First United Methodist Church, serving on many of the committees.

Darby loved helping people, including his customers. He volunteered with the West Orange Cove Consolidated Independent School District, reading to kindergarteners and tutoring students to help improve their reading skills. During his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, traveling, and serving his community.

Darby is survived by his wife of 52 years, Doris Byrd; daughter, Debra Byrd McDavid and husband Tom of Atlanta, GA; son, Darby Byrd, Jr. and wife Cindy of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Kaylie Byrd, Mason McDavid, and Zach Boemer; brother, Dr. Gene Byrd and wife Kathy of Tuscaloosa, AL; sister, Celia Martin and husband Tom of Austin; and nieces, Dana Byrd and Jeanette Byrd.

Serving as pallbearers will be Walter Riedel, Dan Mohon, Tommy Gunn, Bill Wallace, Mike Poutra, Ron Roberts, Jerry Hughes, and Lee Harris.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 502 N. Sixth St., Orange, TX 77630.