It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Eugene "Gene" Kyle Byrd, 84, of Laurel, Delaware. He was born October 10, 1941, in New Richmond, West Virginia, a son of the late Garner Elijah Byrd and Bertie Florence Byrd (nee Halsey).

Gene attended Pineville Elementary School #37 in West Virginia. In the 1950's, his family moved to Baltimore, where he attended Samuel Gompers Vocational & Technical School, from where he graduated.

He further attended Mergenthaler Vocational School, taking classes 2-3 nights a week. He studied machine shop, engine repair and sheet metal work. In 1959 Gene joined the US Air Force and proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1963.

He moved his family to the Eastern Shore in 1976, where he worked as an industrial salesman for numerous companies, such as LA Benson, Stork Gamco, Motion, Inc., and Bearings, Inc., and once owned his own company. Although his career was white collar, outside of his work he was all blue collar. Gene had the talent and ability to do his own painting, plumbing, electrical work, home repairs and worked on his own cars. He never hired a handyman because he was one. Gene was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, playing softball, and darts, and especially loved crabs and blackberry cobbler. He spent countless weekends on his boat fishing, going to Assateague, sandbar hopping, and crabbing with his granddaughter Danielle. He also loved a good game of horseshoes or shooting pool with family or friends. He was a faithful fan of the Baltimore Ravens. He was a great role model to his daughters. He showed them what dedication and commitment looked like and what a good man does for his family. He was also a father figure to nephew Robert Brian Baker.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years Juanita Joan Byrd (nee Bandell), 2 daughters, Deborah Brumbley and Christine Byrd-Drew; grandchildren, Steven Hastings II, Mitch Byrd, Amanda Brumbley, Eugene Brumbley, and Danielle Drew; great grandchildren, Steven Hastings III, Sophia Byrd and Marceline Byrd; and a great-great grandchild, Cannon Hastings; He is also survived by lifelong friends, Roger Martinson, Sr., Kathy Boltz and Tom & Jean Baker. Also surviving is his cat, Bart and numerous other extended family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by twin brothers, Drury Albert "Pete" Byrd and Ulbert Wiley "John" Byrd; brothers, James Byrd and Edsell Ford Byrd, and Darryl Byrd; a stillborn sister; his oldest daughter, Lisa Marie Byrd; and the matriarch of his wife's family, Mary Catherine Bandell. Also preceding him in death are lifelong friends, the late Gayle Martinson and Barry Boltz.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 11:00 am at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, where a visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 to 11:00. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Stephen's Cemetery in Delmar.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Gene to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

He will be greatly missed. Rest easy Airman until we see each other again!