November 25, 1934 –  January 24, 2014  Hal Dean Byrd, 79 year old resident of Whitesboro, TX passed away Friday January 24. He was born November 25, 1934 in Sweetwater, TX. Hal attended Newman High School and graduated in 1953. He attended Texas Tech University on a football scholarship. After one year, he joined the Marines where he served in the Korean War. After leaving the service, he attended North Texas University where he played football and played in the 1959 Sun Bowl. He was employed by Texas Instruments and retired as a Project Manager for El Chico Restaurants.
Hal was preceded in death by son, David Hal Byrd, parents Cleon and Erna Byrd, brother Gerald Byrd, and sisters Lois Greenfield and Rosemary Collins. Hal is survived by his wife Marilyn of 54 years and brother Jack Byrd and wife Judy, son Greg Byrd and wife Laurie, daughter Julie Nell and husband Robert, grandchildren Eryen Nelson and husband Trevor, Guy David Nell, Zachary Nell, and Hallie Nell, and nieces Jerrilyn Myatt, Sandy Mullens and husband Nicky, and Cleann Lovaasen and husband Grant. Hal is also survived by step granddaughters Sarah, Katlin, and Jennifer and step great grandchildren Navy, Reese, and Layla.

The family will welcome visitors at their home between 6:00-8:00 pm Friday January 31 at 300 E. Main Street in Whitesboro. The Memorial Service will be Saturday February 1 at 2:00 pm at North Union Street Church of Christ in Whitesboro where Hal was a member.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Meador Funeral Home in Whitesboro, Texas.