Lawrence Edward Byrd Jr., known to all as "Bud," of St. James, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Phelps Health in Rolla, Missouri, at the age of 90.

Born on September 14, 1934, in St. Louis, Missouri, Bud was the son of the late Lawrence Edward Byrd Sr. and Mayme Elizabeth (Stricker) Byrd. On November 18, 1955, he married the love of his life, the late Geraldine Alyce Pilger, at Flag Springs Church in St. James.

Bud is survived by his son, Robert Byrd and wife, Kathy, of Hoquiam, Washington; daughters: Linda Byrd of St. James, Missouri, Susan (Byrd) Mitchell and husband, Gerry, of St. James, Missouri; son-in-law, Jan vanBleisem of Smithville, Missouri; one sister, Barbara (Bohrer) Warner of St. James, Missouri; grandchildren: Shannon, Steven, Shawn, Sharon, Sarah, Vanessa, Nadia, Gerry, and Collin; as well as 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; daughter, Patricia Ann (Byrd) vanBleisem; sisters: Doris (Byrd) Bohrer and husband, Bill, Shirley (Byrd) Taber and husband, Corky, and Marilyn Sue (Byrd) Manion; brothers: William "Bill" Byrd and wife, Myrna, Charlie Byrd, and Raymond Byrd; and granddaughter Sandra, his great-nephew, Tristan Quisenberry.

Bud was a proud American, fiercely patriotic, and deeply devoted to his country. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1952, completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Over the years, he served with honor in the Korean War and twice in Vietnam—first as a combat engineer from 1966-1967, and again from 1968-1969. After 22 years of dedicated service, Bud retired from the Army in 1974 with the rank of Master Sergeant.

Charles McDuff, Bud's commanding officer in Korea and during his 1st tour in Vietnam commented "Sgt. Byrd started his distinguished military career as an 18-yr old kid. He was in on the second wave in General MacArthur's historic "End Run" around the Korean peninsula, landing at Inchon. He was part of the door-to-door street fighting that led to the liberation of Seoul, Korea. After Korea, peacetime did not last very long before the Vietnam War started. Bud, or Larry as I called him, was called on to serve two tours in that war. During the first tour he was assigned to the Platoon Sergeant of the first platoon of the 634rd Engineer Company of the 18th Engineer Brigade operating in the central highlands of Vietnam. He led the effort to construct the jet fuel pipeline through the Ming Yang Pass which was occasioned by numerous dangers instigated by the North Vietnam regular army troops. As his company commander noted, "Sergeant Byrd was a true leader who saved many lives by virtue of keeping his men ready to defend themselves and the project. He was an inspiration to all who knew him."

A member of the St. James Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. for over 50 years, Bud served as Worshipful Master, continuing his commitment to service even after his retirement from the military.

Bud was an avid fisherman and hunter who always knew how to find the catch of the day. He'd often joke, "You aren't holding your mouth right" if someone wasn't having luck with their fishing. His famous "Bud's Magic Trout Bait" was a secret, but he happily shared his bait with those lucky enough to fish alongside him at Maramec Springs. Bud also loved hunting and fishing with his family, often traveling to Smithville to fish with his son-in-law, Jan, where the two would enjoy friendly competition over who caught the biggest fish. In addition to these hobbies, Bud had a passion for gardening and was known for his remarkable ability to grow just about anything.

While Bud traveled far and wide, Missouri always remained home—where he felt truly at peace and grounded.

Bud's greatest legacy is the love he had for his family. He was the best dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather a family could ask for. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his 9 grandchildren and14 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, creating memories that will be forever cherished. His family will hold these moments close, always remembering his warmth, laughter, and unconditional love.

Bud will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Masonic funeral will be held on Saturday, May 17th at 6 p.m. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 17th, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home.

Funeral will be Sunday, May 18th, at 2:00 p.m. at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Burial with Full Military Honors will be at the St. James Cemetery in the family plot. Missouri Patriot Guard presented honors for their fallen brother at the funeral home and at the St. James Cemetery, and provided escort to the St. James Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Missouri Veterans Home Assistance League – St. James.

Online condolences may be given at www.jonesfunerals.com

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri

Missouri Veterans Home Assistance League
620 North Jefferson, St. James MO 65559
Tel: 1-573-265-3271