Larry Byrd

Larry Eugene Byrd 

December 5, 1954-August 14, 2024

Larry Eugene Byrd, 69, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2024 due to an accident.

He was born December 5, 1954 in Plant City, Florida, the son of Cleve Byrd and Verna (Beck) Johnson. His mother married his step-father, Charles Johnson, then moved to Indiana, where they created a home and together, raised Larry.

A resident of Indiana for most of his life, Larry graduated from Elston High School in Michigan City, Indiana, and went on to serve in the United States Army, demonstrating his commitment to his country. Prior to retirement, Larry was the owner and operator of the family business, Johnson's Black Top, with his step-father and son Scott, for over twenty five years. He was also a proud member of the VFW Post 1130 in La Porte. Known for being a handyman and for his willingness to lend a helping hand, Larry was always available to assist his family, friends, and neighbors. In his free time, Larry found joy in gardening his vegetables, walking the trails with his dogs and spending time with his family. He will be truly missed by all those who had the good fortune to meet him.

Larry found two loves in his life, his first wife and the mother of his children, Patricia J. Byrd, who passed away November 18, 2014, and his present wife, who he married on June 13, 2020 in La Porte, Prudence Simwawa-Byrd. 

Along with Prudence, he is survived by his daughter, Janice Grace (Chris) DeLee of La Porte, IN; son, Scott Byrd of Walkerton, IN; step-daughter, Uju "Faith" Simwawa of Zambia, Africa; sister, Brenda (Dale) Kilgore of Michigan City, IN; four grandchildren, Jared and Abbie DeLee, Hope and Scott Byrd Jr; nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. 

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; the mother of his children, Patricia, and daughter-in-law, Missy Byrd.

Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, IN, where the family will receive friends for a visitation on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until service time at noon, with family reflections and military honors. Cremation will take place. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the La Porte Small Animal Shelter, 2855 IN-2, La Porte, IN 46350 .

Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.