Obituary
Michael A. Byrd, Jr. (Mike) 38, died suddenly on July 22, 2020, from a pulmonary embolism
while at his home in Marion, Iowa.
Mike was born on December 28, 1981, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Although he lived all
over the East coast for most of his young life, he spent most of his adult life living in the Midwest
to be near family. Mike will forever be remembered by his loved ones for his endless generosity,
wild sense of humor, and irresistible charm. He was well-liked by all who knew him and was the
first person to crack a joke making everyone in his presence feel at ease. He never failed to
make his family and friends laugh, even in the most difficult situations. As a people person, it
was no surprise that Mike was an excellent salesman, often receiving praise and recognition for
his abilities to outsell his competitors.
He enjoyed cars, specifically car audio, modifying as well as upgrading audio systems, and was
a master at all things pertaining to electronics. Mike enjoyed spending time with his family,
especially his niece and nephews, whom he loved as if they were his own. He was the life of the
party while spending time with his many friends attending renaissance festivals, concerts, and
sporting events. He enjoyed gaming, getting a good deal, and spoiling his family, especially his
nieces and nephews with lavish gifts.
He is survived by his mother Christine (Wilkinson) Byrd of Marion, Iowa, and his father Michael
A. Byrd, Sr. (Shelly) of Terre Haute, Indiana. His grandfather Carl J. Byrd III and Grandmother
Florence Wilkinson. Two sisters, Jessica (Malden) Baasch, and Melissa (Michael) Dixon. His
beloved nephews and niece, Nikolas Baasch, Bradley Baasch, and Melody Dixon. Numerous
uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family, and many friends.
He is proceeded in death by his grandmother Ellen Smith and his grandfather John Wilkinson
Sr.
Due to COVID-19 Restrictions, there will be no visitation allowed. However, there will be a
blessing and prayer service held at St Joe's Catholic Church in Marion, Iowa at 8:15 AM on
Friday, July 31, 2020. All who want to attend are welcome.
while at his home in Marion, Iowa.
Mike was born on December 28, 1981, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Although he lived all
over the East coast for most of his young life, he spent most of his adult life living in the Midwest
to be near family. Mike will forever be remembered by his loved ones for his endless generosity,
wild sense of humor, and irresistible charm. He was well-liked by all who knew him and was the
first person to crack a joke making everyone in his presence feel at ease. He never failed to
make his family and friends laugh, even in the most difficult situations. As a people person, it
was no surprise that Mike was an excellent salesman, often receiving praise and recognition for
his abilities to outsell his competitors.
He enjoyed cars, specifically car audio, modifying as well as upgrading audio systems, and was
a master at all things pertaining to electronics. Mike enjoyed spending time with his family,
especially his niece and nephews, whom he loved as if they were his own. He was the life of the
party while spending time with his many friends attending renaissance festivals, concerts, and
sporting events. He enjoyed gaming, getting a good deal, and spoiling his family, especially his
nieces and nephews with lavish gifts.
He is survived by his mother Christine (Wilkinson) Byrd of Marion, Iowa, and his father Michael
A. Byrd, Sr. (Shelly) of Terre Haute, Indiana. His grandfather Carl J. Byrd III and Grandmother
Florence Wilkinson. Two sisters, Jessica (Malden) Baasch, and Melissa (Michael) Dixon. His
beloved nephews and niece, Nikolas Baasch, Bradley Baasch, and Melody Dixon. Numerous
uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family, and many friends.
He is proceeded in death by his grandmother Ellen Smith and his grandfather John Wilkinson
Sr.
Due to COVID-19 Restrictions, there will be no visitation allowed. However, there will be a
blessing and prayer service held at St Joe's Catholic Church in Marion, Iowa at 8:15 AM on
Friday, July 31, 2020. All who want to attend are welcome.
