Stephen Kent Byrd

Stephen Kent Byrd was born on October 1, 1947, to Ralph and Arrietta (Akers) Byrd in Louisa, Virginia. Growing up he enjoyed work on the farm, driving a tractor, and blowing up stumps with his dad. He was the 3rd of 6 children. Stephen enjoyed spending time with his grandparents, especially Papaw Akers. Stephen joined the Navy and was stationed at Ft. Smith Arkansas, San Diego, California and also Lemoore, California to begin his career as an aviation sheet metal worker. He was then deployed to Vietnam war and was stationed in DeNang. He saw combat as a door gunner on a medi-vac helicopter during his tour of service. After his discharge from the Navy, he resumed his work in sheet metal. He enjoyed working in HVAC turning it into his own business in 1980 in Santa Cruz, California where he met Nancy (Hazen) Hertz. They were married October 5, 1996. He was truly an artist when fabricating intricate copper awnings. He also made and installed seamless rain gutters. Stephen, Nancy, and Jacob, their son, moved to Brownlee, Nebraska in February 2000 where he continued in the HVAC business while enjoying hunting for treasures (old bottles, coins, and dishes), fishing, hunting, and traveling several trips to California, Virginia, and Nebraska. Stephen enjoyed the time he was able to spend with his Grandsons, Andrew and David. When he was able, he would play with them on the floor as well as building things out of wood and metal and making arts and crafts. Andrew learned to drive while riding on the scooter with Grandpa. David even tried his hand at it by himself, but Grandma caught him before he drove off. Even though his sister, Kay, lived in Virginia they had wonderful visits by phone and in person. She was always close to him in thought and in heart. Stephen loved being a part of Nancy's large family, always encouraging, and supporting her time with them. On March 10, 2018, at the age of 70, Stephen fell asleep in Jesus at Veterans Medical Center in Grand Island, Nebraska. He is survived by wife Nancy, son Jacob (Randii), Grandsons Andrew and David, Stepsons Jeremy (Kelly) Hertz, Joshua (Sheila) Hertz and families, Sister Kay (David), a brother and two other sisters, nieces and nephews. Please send the simple obituary to North Platte, Valentine, Mullen and Thedford papers: Please include Memorial service to be held on April 6, 2018, at 10:30 am at the Brownlee Community Church. Also, any memorial can be paid to Brownlee Cemetery.