Curtis Edgar Byrd

Curtis Edgar Byrd of Ocean Springs, MS passed away in his home, surrounded by loved ones on October 10, 2013. Curtis was a lifelong resident of the MS Gulf coast. He was a 1956 graduate of Biloxi High School, an Eagle scout, a former boy scout leader, and member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. He was a 50 year member and a Master Mason of the Masonic Lodge 120. As a naval veteran, Curtis served our country as a boiler tech on the USS Waldron DD699 and retired from CSX Railroad after 38 years. He was a musician from a young age and loved Opera, classical and good ole blues music. He grew up fishing and sailing on the coast, had an infectious laugh, wonderful sense of humor and absolutely loved being surrounded by friends and family. On October 9, 2013, Last rites were administered by Deacon Reverend Jim LaBartod of the Episcopal church. Attending were his wife, Lila, his children-Alan, Russell, Karl and Martha, his brothers- Pat, John, David, and Laurence, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Helen Gayle Byrd. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Lila Byrd, their children, Curtis Alan Byrd and wife Angelique, Russell Byrd, Karl Byrd and wife Adrian, Martha Lorenson and husband Christopher Lorenson, and Iris Detsch. All of Ocean Springs, MS. Also survived by his sisters, Marguerite Allen(Switzerland, FL) and Nancy Phillps(Savannah, GA), his brothers, Pat Byrd(Biloxi, MS), John Byrd(Biloxi, MS), David Byrd(Biloxi, MS), Laurence Byrd(Biloxi, MS), 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, and longtime friend, Al May, Jr. Graveside services with Masonic Funeral Rites will be held at Crestlawn Memorial Park on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. A little something from Martha: Seeing through my looking glass, the one in my mind... You are strong and invincible, compassionate and warm... Your smile and raspy laughter sounds are clear. As I awoke, the sparkling top notes drifting from your fingertips onto the ivory keys as you play your favorite tune for the thousanth time-yet in my childish mind it feels like the first. Oh Daddy, how I long to hear your whisper “humbug” in my ear, holding me tight, my imminent safety for which I hoped to be an eternity. Your rosy cheeks and stunning crystal blue eyes glisten in the sun light-I can still see my small reflection in them. My reality beats clearly in my heart as you and I listen to our Louis on the sound box, your breath heavy from your chest, and your eyes tired from your struggle. Without words, we converse through our music, listening through our soothing blues and classical music. I wonder who you see in your dreams and I desperately chase you in mine. “Softly, deftly, music shall caress you. Hear it, feel it, secretly possess you. Open up your mind, Let your fantasies unwind—close your eyes, Start a journey through a strange new world. Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before, close your eyes-And let music set you free.” (Phantom of the Opera)--See you at the Opera Daddy! The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.