Kern County CA Archives Obituaries.....Loyd , Byron Ernest November 15, 2005 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ca/cafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: K T bluewolf@onemain.com November 18, 2005, 1:31 am The Bakersfield Californian Loyd, Byron Ernest 1926 - 2005 Byron Ernest Loyd Feb. 23, 1926 - Nov. 15, 2005 Services: Sat., Nov. 19, 11 a.m. Our Dad lived a full and fun 79 years here in Bakersfield, CA. He went home to be with the Lord November 15, 2005, after fighting cancer for four years. Byron Ernest Loyd was born on February 23, 1926 to Aaron and Beatrice Loyd at Mercy Hospital. After his mother died of tuberculosis when he was four years old his father married Grace who helped raise him. He resided in Bakersfield, with the exception of his 3 years in the Navy during WWII, his entire life. Byron attended Emerson Elementary, Washington Junior High and East Bakersfield High School. In 1943 he entered the Navy at 17 years old as a Coxswain on the first wave of landing crafts to hit the beach at Iwo Jima. He took in three loads of men and only brought half of those back. He started out in the armed guards on an aviation tanker and was later stationed on the USS Cecil APA 96 attack transport. After returning from the War he married his High School sweetheart Eleanor Jane Galyen on November 16, 1945. He initially worked as a Fireman for the Bakersfield Fire Department and several years for Kern Rock, but could not ignore the burning desire to own his own business. In 1951 he built and started the very successful Loyds Auto Magic Car Wash, located at Niles and Union Streets. He owned and operated the car wash until 1962 when the development of the cross town freeway took out the company. During these years Byron and Eleanor had three children, Steve, Stuart and Stacy, and worked together in building homes and apartments, ultimately developing the aviation firm, Loyds Flying Service. Byrons brother, Ray, mentioned to him that he could get his pilots license with the GI bill, therein launching his introduction to and love for aviation. He became rated in October of 1946 and purchased his second airplane in 1956. With his experience in construction, business and expert flying skills Loyds Flying Service became a full service flying operation, which manages aircraft, sells fuel and provides hanger space and maintenance services. With this growth and the added leadership of his son, Steven Loyd, joining the family business, came the name change from Loyds Flying Service to Loyds Aviation and Loyds Aircraft maintenance. During Byrons aviation career he flew for many of the top businesses in Bakersfield and the State of California, accumulating over 13,000 accident free hours. Byron was known for his integrity and honesty in doing business and with this reputation was encouraged to run for 3rd District County Supervisor in June of 1968. He was an Elks Lodge member for over 50 years, a member of Footprinters Association, and a former Commander of the Kern county Sheriffs Aero Squadron. After 35 years of marriage Byrons wife Eleanor died of cancer on Christmas Eve in 1979 leaving him a widower. After losing Eleanor he married a wonderful woman, Nadine Mansfield at his home on August 24, 1980. During the past 25 years Byron and Nadine enjoyed working together in the aviation business, traveling the world, and playing golf. He not only had a passion for flying, but also enjoyed hunting and fly fishing. Byron was a man known for focusing on achieving goals, but also enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends. We as a family will miss Byron, but know how very fortunate we were to have had such a special man, father, friend and spouse in our lives. This amazing man is survived by his son, Steven L. Loyd and his wife, Patricia; their children, Bridgette and Kelly; son, Stuart A. Loyd and his wife, Kaye Lynn; and their children, Shelley and Melissa and his daughter, Stacy S. Loyd. Missing him as much are his wife of 25 years, Nadine Loyd and her daughter, Rhonda Jean and husband, Brian; and grandchildren, Shae, Tiffany and Kyle; son, Eric Mansfield and his wife, Trish; and grandchildren, Christopher, Haley, Shelby, Cole, Tyler and Megan; great-grandchildren, Karissa, Aliyah and Tristen. He is also survived by his brother, Ray Loyd and wife, Elma; cousin, Jack Graham and wife, Ruby and many nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding him in death are his parents, Aaron H. Loyd, Beatrice Loyd and Grace Loyd, his wife, Eleanor J. Loyd; his sister, Claire Graham; niece, Debbie Ward; niece, Shari Crawford and grandbaby, Katie Mansfield. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Stephen Halaska and Dr. Abhay Risbud for all their efforts and concern. Equally appreciated are the compassionate council and hard work of our hospice nurse, Julie Chrisco and the entire staff at Optimal Hospice Care. Memorial services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 19, 2005, at St. Pauls Episcopal Church on 17th Street, Bakersfield, CA. Honorary pallbearers are Ray Dezember, Dwight Byrum, Jack Mayes, Jack Graham, Mark Jensen and Ray Bishop. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Optimal Hospice Care, Juvenile Diabetes Assoc., or a charity of your choosing. For further information call Loyds Aviation, 393-1334. Mish Funeral Home-Oildale Published in the Bakersfield Californian from 11/17/2005 - 11/18/2005. Additional Comments: Volunteer submission - No relation to deceased No other information available from submitter. Obituaries http://www.legacy.com/bakersfield/LegacyHome.asp File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/kern/obits/l/loyd872gob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/cafiles/ File size: 6.0 Kb