Richard R. “Rick” Byrd

Richard R. “Rick” Byrd, 91, of Kearney, MO, passed away June 24, 2022 at his home with his devoted wife and family members by his side.

Rick was born January 24, 1931 in St. Louis, MO, to Stanley and Aletha (Bell) Byrd. The family moved to Kansas City, where Rick graduated from Westport High School. He later married his high school sweetheart, Jo Ann Copeland.

Rick served in the US Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, California during the Korean era. Rick displayed his diverse talents early in life as a Memorial Mason. His works are showcased in many Kansas City area monuments. Rick crafted the monument located at the main post office of Kansas City, Missouri, which remains today. Throughout his life, Rick also worked as an Insurance Agent, Salesman, and utilized his exceptional mechanical abilities in a career as a Maintenance Technician for Hallmark Cards, for more than two decades.

Rick was a member of Liberty Christian Church. He was always faithful to God, family, and country. Those that knew him best will remember his unique wit and honesty. He was a collector and admirer of antique cars and had been a member of the Early Ford Club.

Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Jo Ann, whom he cherished dearly; sister, Barbara Willingham; children: Vickie Schreiner (Tom), Debra Woodling (Ron), Rick Jr. (Becky) and Linda Bush (Kelley);grandchildren: Jeff, Karen, TaMarra, Christian, Tracy, Renea, Stacey, Cody, and Kellie Jo; great grandchildren: Alex, Wyatt S., Riley, Kamryn, Kaylie, Kelcey, Kirstin, Zoe, Sophie, Jessica, Desiree, Sarah, Dakota, Dalton, Hannah, David, Maddison, and Wyatt B.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by a service celebrating Rick’s life at 11:00 am, on Saturday, July 2, at Liberty Christian Church, 427 East Kansas Street, Liberty, MO. Burial will follow at White Chapel Memorial Gardens.

Memorials are suggested to: American Cancer Society.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by a service celebrating Rick’s life at 11:00 am, on Saturday, July 2, at Liberty Christian Church, 427 East Kanas Street, Liberty, MO. Burial will follow at White Chapel Memorial Gardens.

Memorials are suggested to: American Cancer Society.