On Feb. 11, 2016, Jon Donald Byrd of Hartfield, went to be with the Lord, his beloved wife of 58 years by his side.

Born on Nov. 6, 1939, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, he attended Marion High School. There, at the 10th grade Christmas dance, he captured the love of his life, June Taylor. They graduated in 1957 and married in 1958.

After the birth of their first child in 1960, Jon and June moved to Virginia. Four more children were to follow and Jon worked at Newport News Shipbuilding to provide for his growing family. Upon his retirement after 40 years with the shipyard, Jon and June moved to the family farm in Middlesex, Va. He was active in his church, Living Waters, and took great joy in working in the food ministry.

“Papa” was a quiet, hard-working man. He loved God and his family and gave humbly to anyone in need. Nothing gave him greater joy than to be surrounded by those he loved. His children and grandchildren cherish memories of beach vacations, quiet conversations, thoughtful gifts “just because” and Papa on the John Deere.

Jon is survived by his wife, June; children, Steve (Beth), Brian (Laurel), Dee (Ted), Donna (Mike) and Barbie (Mark). He was the proud “Papa” of 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his two brothers, William David Byrd and his wife Rita, and Dennis Morgan and his wife Jane; two sisters in Maryland, and a host of nephews.

Visitation was held on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. A funeral service followed at Living Waters Church, 2061 Windsor Road, Dutton, Va. A private family entombment was held at Windsor Gardens Cemetery, Dutton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Living Waters Food Ministry, c/o the church.

Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home, Mathews, was in charge of the arrangements.