Larry Michael Byford, 66, passed away February 14, 2013 at his Sachse, TX residence. He was born in Duncan, Oklahoma on July 15, 1946 to Louis Weldon and Darlene (Meazell) Byford.
Mike graduated from Odessa High School in 1965. After graduation, he travelled extensively from Memphis to Chicago as a road musician. Eventually, he returned to his roots in West Texas where he entertained audiences as the drummer for Roger Young and the Reason Why and other local bands. He was a talented musician, singer and songwriter. In the oilfields of West Texas, Mike joined his father at Lone Star Machine Shop in Denver City, Texas where he became a master machinist and retired as foreman. After retirement, Mike relocated to North Texas and became a business owner and professional photographer.
Mike was a 32nd Degree Mason and a Past Master of Masonic Lodge #1278 in Denver City, Texas. After relocating to the Metroplex, he joined the Hella Shrine Temple and was the drummer in the Oriental Band. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Odessa, Texas. Mike was an avid people and dog lover and spent the last years of his life caring for both.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Darlene Byford; his brother, Jerry Wayne Byford.
He is survived by his two sons: Michael Joseph "Joey" and Shawn Weldon Byford, three step-children: James A. Ayers, George Houston Johnson and Elizabeth Johnson-Hernandez, and seven grandchildren: Joseph Slade , Courtney Jade and Saint Weldon Byford, Tristan James and Ashley Terese Ayers, and William Joaquin and Houston Riley Johnson and two great grandchildren: Emma Rose and Gracie Noel Snow.
Mike is loved and will be missed by his family and friends. The world is a little less special because Mike is gone.
Mike's family and friends will be holding a celebration of his life in Sachse, Texas and graveside services will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa. Dates are pending and will be updated accordingly.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, March 18, 2013 in Sunset Memorial Gardens, 6801 E. Business 20, Odessa, Texas 79762.
You may visit Mike's Memorial Page online at http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/ - search Larry Byford
Or use address below:
http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/mikebyford1946/homepage.aspx
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Adopt-a-pet.com or donate to your favorite local animal shelter. ADDRESS: Adopt-a-Pet.com P.O. Box 7 Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (1-800-728-3273)