Tuesday, May 15, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson, (573)751-0290
Blunt Orders Flags Flown at Half-staff in Memory of Rep. Richard Byrd
JEFFERSON CITY—Missouri Governor Matt Blunt today announced that all flags at state facilities in Missouri will remain at half-staff to honor the memory of Rep. Richard G. Byrd, Kirkwood, who passed away Saturday, May 14. Flags were already at half-staff in recognition of Peace Officer’s Memorial Day.
"Richard Byrd was a devoted father, loving husband, brilliant legislator and a tremendous public servant," Blunt said. "This is a great loss for our state and for all who called Richard a friend. Melanie and I offer our condolences, sympathy and prayers to his family."
Rep. Byrd was elected to the House in 2000 and represented District 94.
He had also previously served on the Kirkwood City Council and as a Bonhomme Township Republican committeeman. He was appointed to the St. Louis County Charter Commission and served as vice chair of the Missouri Easter Seals board and board chair of the St. Louis Easter Seals. He had also served as an assistant district commissioner for the St. Louis Area Boy Scouts.
Rep. Byrd was a member of the Kirkwood Rotary Club, Kirkwood Chamber of Commerce and a boy's soccer coach at Ste. Genevieve DuBois Catholic Church.
A 1976 graduate of Decatur High School in Decatur, Ala., Rep. Byrd received a bachelor of arts degree in international trade from Rhodes College in 1980, and a juris doctorate from Washington University in 1983.
Born September 27, 1958 in Decatur, Rep. Byrd lived in Kirkwood with his wife, Moira Byrd, their son, Richard C. Byrd and their daughter, Eleanor Catherine.
Flags will remain at half-staff until dusk on the evening of funeral services honoring Rep. Byrd. Final arrangements have not been announced.