Evansville, IN – Danny Raymond Byrd, 76, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Cypress Grove Rehabilitation Center in Newburgh, Indiana. He was born on May 14, 1946 in Evansville to the late Robert and Della (Sawyer) Byrd.
In his younger years, Danny had been an amazing athlete and performed in baseball, football and track. Often being featured in the newspaper, he even received offers to play in Major League Baseball. Throughout his life he enjoyed camping, boating, golfing and having a cold beer while watching his favorite teams such as the St. Louis Cardinals, the Miami Dolphins and I.U.
Danny had received a purple heart during his service in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Liberty. Family was the most important thing in the world to him and he never missed a chance to give a hug and say “I love you.”
He is survived by his daughters, Holly Knollenberg and Danyelle Byrd; his granddaughters, Chelsey Knollenberg and Kylee Knollenberg as well as his brothers, Russell Byrd and Mark Byrd.
Danny is preceded in death by his siblings, Tim Byrd, Pam Byrd and Kyle Byrd.
At Danny’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project in his name and honor.
In Danny’s own words,
“Have any kind of day you want.”
Fly free, Byrd. Until we meet again.
Simple Cremation Evansville is entrusted with care.
Chuck Mathis says
Mark & Russ, I’m truly sorry to hear of Dans passing. In keeping the Byrd family in my prayers, the pride and joy of being able to call you my family will always be treasured. Dan was possibly the best athlete of the family, which is saying a lot. And his accomplishments in the service will never be forgotten.
mark byrd says
Brother we did not spend much time together when i was younger but we made up for that in the end. We miss you so much already. Fly like the byrd you are. R.I.P Love Mark
Angela Bennett says
Dan was my neighbor for almost 6 years. He was a good man and I will miss him dearly
Holly Knollenberg says
Dad,
Since you went to heaven, I haven’t heard a voice as comforting as yours, seen a smile quite like yours or had a hug as warm and loving as yours. There is a place in my heart that no one can ever fill. The fact that you are no longer here will always cause pain but memories of you, I will hold close in my heart. I take comfort in knowing that in laughter and sorrow, in sunshine and in rain; you will be watching over me until we meet again. Thank you for being my dad. I love and miss you, always and forever!
Holly Knollenberg says
It was my dad’s wish that upon his death, donations would be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. If you would like to contribute, here is the link. https://www.gofundme.com/wounded-warrior-project-in-memory-of-danny-byrd
Holly Knollenberg says
Dad,
Thank you for being such a proud, loving grandpa to my daughters. Thank you for every act of love, word of encouragement, every laughed shared together and every hug given to them. You taught them to believe in themselves, stand for what they believe in and fed their competitive nature by saying “There is no point in playing unless you keep score”. Hahaha
Most importantly, you never missed a chance to say “I love you”. You will forever be missed but your legacy lives on.
Rogerleegriffin says
Sorry to hear of Danny’s passing. We played softball for Harpoles Tavern after all of us came back from the service. Danny was one of the best players in town, always tough as nails and in better shape than any of us. Great teammate and a fun guy to be with. He will be missed, Roger Griffin.
Barry J Hart says
Wow! So shocked and sorry to read of Danny’s death. I became good friends with “Byrd Egg” at Bosse. He was not only an outstanding athlete, but an excellent student too. We went our separate ways after high school. But those times we did cross paths were always special. I am sorry I won’t be able to talk to him again. May God bless him and his family.
Barry Hart
Bosse ’64
Gary Dempsey says
I will always remember Danny with smiles at the things we did. Great friend, would do anything for you, just a super nice guy. Haven’t seen him in years but we recently reconnected on Facebook. God bless Byrd Egg
Carolyn Putnam says
To the Byrd family I just saw Dan’s obit in todays paper. It was my pleasure to cut his hair for a number of years. Just wanted you to know how proud he was of his family. He talked about you all the time. My prayers are with you all.
mark byrd says
Thank you he loved you cutting his hair. Mark Byrd
Sharon says
I new Danny for several years, he was a caring compassionate person. All he ever wanted was to be close to his two daughters. I know he became close to one because I took him to Illinois to meet her. Rest in peace Danny!
With love,
Sharon
Lenny Will says
I’m glad Danny had a long and loving life. A lot sunsets since we played baseball on the same team.
Hopefully, his passing will draw friends closer because when your game time is up you have to go home. He knew life was competitive and challenging and love of values the motivation; no doubt he passed them on. See you ole friend, on the Big playing field.⚾️🤠
Brenda Hall says
So sad to hear of Danny passing. We worked together for many years. He was a hard worker and could be fun and silly and over the the years I also saw a melancholy side. He loved his children dearly. He would light up when it come to the kids. . Have been fortunate to cross paths. Brenda. Hall
Jackie Grimmer Crowley says
My brother Jon grew up with Danny and Steve and Barry and Tim and David and Pat and other boys from Harper and Bosse. Thoughts of them bring a smile to my heart. I remember Danny’s mother as a tiny but tough lady who raised six good kids and a loving family. The world needs more families like the Byrd kids. Rest In Peace Danny. You made the world a better place.
Chelsey Knollenberg says
Grandpa Dan – you were one of the most enjoyable people to be around. We were never short of laughs. I will always cherish our memories together. Some of the best times we had together were at the card table or at our sports events. You never let us win. We had to earn it and I think that helped us become who we are today. Thank you for everything! Miss you forever!
Kylee Knollenberg says
Grandpa Dan – I could not have asked for a more loving, caring, and funny Grandpa. You helped us keep our heads high and our hearts strong. I will always cherish every memory we made. I hope you and Uncle Kyle are playing the best ball game up there. We miss you. Thank you for everything, love you to the moon and back!
Danyelle Byrd says
I have searched sporadically over the years for news and I recently learned that my father passed away through this obit. According to my mother, he left when I was 3 and according to my recollection I had one week with him when I was 10. Around which time I also met Pam, who brought me to a mall and introduced me to cheese fries which was a revelation to me at the time. Sorry ti hear of her passing as well. I also met my sister Holly, whom I remember to have the most beautiful strawberry blonde hair and tanned skin and who looked at me with curiosity. Prior to my week, what I knew of my father was told to me by my mother. He was older than her, had an allergy to gold, had good eye sight, played minor league and soft ball until his knees wore out, was good at math, had siblings, was a vet who earned a purple heart, liked to shoot pool and gamble occasionally, their relationship was a but tempetuous. After my week spent with him going to Disney, the beach and his veterans league I learned he was thoughtful especially when I got sunburned, he was patient and a kid at heart at Disney and he was a good teacher and well respected by his peers when we spent a day at his veterans league where he me how to throw a softball with the right arc and shoot pool albeit left handed which I still do to this day despite being a righty otherwise. I learned through an internet search that he also attended school again later in life. Despite only having that week, I realize now we have a lot in common. I played softball and track, I am a nurse for vets now, I have been a consumate student with a few degrees I love math, similar facial features according to the one pic I do have of him, I am the only one who doesn’t wear glasses in my fam, I would rather take a risk to find out what could be rather risk wondering and although there are the years of daddy issues and the whole namesake having to get everything personalized because of the whole “y”s where there should be “i”s in both first and last name it all worked out. Just a shame he never got to meet his granddaughter. She is really quite remarkable. Maybe we will meet up on the other side to catch up, ask the why’s and why not’s. Until then…