Louis "Gene" Byrd Sr., 87, of Shelbyville, died Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at Kindred Hospital Indianapolis South, Greenwood.

Born Dec. 25, 1922, in Shelbyville, IN, he was the son of Elmer and Carrie (Mitchell) Byrd.

Survivors include his sons, Louis (wife, Bernice) Byrd Jr. of Columbus and Mark (wife, Regina) Byrd of Greenville, S.C.; 10 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Carol Edmonds; sisters, Cora Lyvers and Ruth Phillips; and brothers, Herbert Byrd and Richard Byrd.

Mr. Byrd had been employed at Walmart for the past 24 years and was previously employed at Cummins Inc. for 10 years.

He was a member of Second Baptist Church, where he served as deacon since June 29, 1956.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Second Baptist Church, 34 W. Hendricks St.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the church, with Pastor Tony Lambert officiating.

Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, with military rites conducted.

Services have been entrusted to Murphy-Parks Funeral Service and Crematory, 703 S. Harrison St.

Memorial contributions may be made to Miracle Network, in care of the funeral home.

An online guest book can be signed at www.murphy-parks.com.