Joseph Edward Byrd, born September 30, 1963, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026.
Joseph was born in Cincinnati at Jewish Hospital, the beloved son of Sidney Byrd and JoAnn Hensley (née Rush), and was raised and educated in Laurel and Brookville, Indiana. During his time at Laurel High School, he proudly earned a certificate recognizing his participation on the basketball team during the 1977-1978 season, an accomplishment he and his family always held close to his heart.
Joe had a deep love for the outdoors and a true appreciation for life’s simple joys. As a boy, he found happiness riding miniature ponies and dirt bikes—interests that grew into lifelong passions. In his later years, he continued riding motorcycles and spent many quiet hours with his beloved miniature ponies, occasionally selling a few. Music was also a constant in Joe’s life, and he found comfort and enjoyment in listening to rock music.
He worked alongside his father as a truck driver, traveling across the country and experiencing the beauty of the United States. Joe held several other positions as well, but in his early 30s, he encountered mental health challenges that became part of his journey—challenges he faced with courage and perseverance.
Joe is survived by his father, Sidney Byrd; his mother, JoAnn Hensley; his stepfather, Neil Hensley; and his sister, Sonja Herb (and her husband, Jerold Herb). He is also survived by his niece, Leah Boggs, great-nephew Jacob Fenker, and great-niece Lydia Fenker, as well as his uncles Earl Byrd, Larry Byrd, and Virgil Rush; and his aunts Carla Richardson (and her husband, Terry), Cindy Byrd Deaton, Charlene Byrd Adams, and Caroline Byrd Maddox.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Claude Byrd and Lida Allen Byrd; his maternal grandparents, Joseph Virgil Rush and Dorothy Hignite Ritchie; his step-grandfather, Don Ritchie; Aunt Lucille Thomas Byrd (and her husband, Dewey); and uncles Vernon Byrd, Levis Byrd, Kenneth Byrd, Randall Byrd, and Gene Deaton (husband of Cindy Byrd Deaton).
A burial for family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 2, at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Sunman, Indiana, with Pastor Wayne Ison officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Meyers Funeral Home.
When friends and family speak of Joe, a smile often follows, along with stories filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished memories. He will be remembered for his love of life and the lasting impression he made on those who knew and loved him.
He will be deeply missed by all. Friends may leave a memory or message of comfort for Joe’s family in the online guestbook at www.meyersfuneralhomes.com.