Wilton Byrd

Wilton Byrd, 85, of Beaumont, died Thursday, October 27, 2022. He was born April 1, 1937, in Toro, Louisiana, to Thelma Vines Byrd and Monroe Taylor Byrd.

He is survived by his wife, Maryanna Owen Byrd of Beaumont; son, Eddie Byrd and his wife, Stephanie, of Springtown; daughter, Melissa McKague of Beaumont; sister, Barbara Owen of Cleveland, Katie Cook of Comanche; and grandchildren, Aiden McKague of Beaumont and Bret Rountree of Gladewater.

Wilton most enjoyed time with his grandson, Aiden. Their bond formed early on when Wilton, also known as “Pop,” would make-up bedtime stories to tell Aiden. The story always ended with Aiden asking for “just one more” and Pop struggling to come up with yet another story to tell. Throughout the school years, you could find Pop waiting on the school bus to get Aiden or going to pick up Aiden with a favorite snack. The two of them were inseparable and that never changed as Aiden grew up. From teaching Aiden about gardening or trying to convince him something was good to eat with his “it’s good now” comment, they were both full of laughs and mischievous hijinks! In his last days, Aiden was one of the constant caregivers for Wilton and the bond that was already there, grew stronger. Wilton will be greatly missed by his best buddy.

Wilton found pleasure in the simple life and preferred staying home above all else. His hobbies were vegetable gardening, hunting the biggest blackberry in the summer and in his later years, simply sitting on the porch and waving at the passing neighbors. Finally, he found great pleasure in his cat, Callie, and his dog, Gunner, who he would always sneak bites of food from the table.

The Byrd family would like to thank Best Hospice for the loving care they provided Wilton and the family. Heartfelt gratitude to Monique and Wanda for walking this journey with us.

Mr. Byrd’s memorial service will be at 3:00 p.m., Monday, October 31, 2022, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements will be handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions can be made to Amelia Baptist Church, 8055 Brighton Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707.