I, Drue J.Byrd, was born on July 5, 1907 in Sulphur Springs, Texas. My parents were John and Vena Byrd. I had three brothers, Hack, J.L. and Jimmy and one sister, M.E. We lived in Sulphur Springs until I was a year old and then we proceeded to move to Dickens County in 1908.I met my wife, Ira Goodwin of East Afton and we were married November 24, 1928 by Judge Hack Brummett in a double ceremony sitting in a car. I worked at the East Afton Gin and my wife ran the little grocery store. Our life was busy and full, especially after our two children, Druline and Milford came along. A special treat for all of us was going to the movie theater in East Afton. I always took the children to the picture show on Saturdays. After ginning season. I drove a cotton truck from East Afton to Houston.
My wife, Ira, was killed in a car accident in 1965. I have enjoyed my life in Dickens County. I still live in East Afton next to my daughter Druline.
I have seven great grandchildren and six grandchildren. One of the nicest times is visiting them when they come home to see me. I have thoroughly enjoyed knowing that I call East Afton and Dickens County my home.
Source: Dickens County History...its Land and People © Dickens Historical Commission; Printer: Craftsman Inc. Lubbock, Texas 1986
Tentative funeral services for Mrs. Drue Byrd, 60, Afton, have been set for Thursday at 3 p.m. in the First Baptist Church, Spur, with burial to follow in Spur Cemetery.Mrs. Byrd was killed Monday about 1 p.m. 20 miles south of San Agustine in a two-car head-on smash up. Mr. Byrd is listed in critical condition.
©The Texas Spur, 1965
Services for Drue Judson Byrd, 82, Afton were at 2 p.m. at graveside in Spur Memorial Cemetery with Rev. C.L. Atkinson, pastor of the Afton Baptist Church, officiating.
Byrd died July 8, 1989 in Methodist Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born July 5, 1907 in Como but had resided in the Afton community most of his life. He was a retired farmer.
A member of the Methodist Church, he married Ira Goodwin in Afton in 1928. She died February 22, 1965.
He is survived by a son, Milford Byrd, Dickens; one daughter, Druline Rape, Afton; a brother, J.L. Byrd, Grand Prairie; one sister, M.E. Hale, Arlington; nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Nephews served as pallbearers.
Campbell Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
©The Texas Spur, July, 1989
From the scrapbook of Thelma Kimmel Scott
© Dickens County Historical Commission 1997-2022
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