Leo Emery Byrd

Leo Emery Byrd aka “Mad Dog”,82, of Vandalia, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his family’s presence June 23, 2026.

His life began May 2, 1944, in Lansing, the third of seven siblings. He married Barbara Jane Dungey in Cassopolis on April 20, 2000. She survives.

Leo graduated from J.W. Sexton in Lansing in 1962. He went on to serve his country in the United States Marine Corp. He spent most of his life as a Tool and Die Maker retiring from K&F Printing in 1999.  Leo was an avid sports enthusiast. He participated in bowling, softball and basketball. In addition to this, he was the founding member of the Pro-Am Ski Club on Paradise Lake. He was known to all as the “P.R. man” and taught numerous people how to water ski, including his son Ro’Mell.  

Leo will be greatly missed by family and friends.  He is survived by his wife, Barbara Jane Byrd of Vandalia; one son, Ro’Mell Jerome Dungey of Cassopolis; one daughter, Candace Griffin of Texas; four grandchildren, Kayden Dungey, Alycia Ferguson, Ariana Ferguson, Evan Ferguson; two sisters, Joan (Gregory) Williams, Nancy Byrd Oldham; two brothers, Stephan (Valerie) Byrd, Robert Milton; one brother-in-law, Eric (Redell) Dungey; one sister-in-law, Nora (James) Lee; Step-mother, Frances Byrd and a host of cousins nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Weldon Bernard Byrd, his mother Katherine E. High, brothers, Charles “Tony” Byrd and Wilburn H. Byrd.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Leo’s life on Sunday, September 6, 2026 beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Paradise Lake, Vandalia (at the Byrd Cottage). 

The family prefers contributions in memory of Leo be made to ALS Association of Michigan https://alsofmichigan.org/donation-opportunities/

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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