Donald William Byrne

Donald William Byrne, 81, passed away peacefully at home on May 15, 2026, surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. His passing came just eight months after the loss of his beloved wife, Wilma Susanne “Sue” Byrne, a reflection of the deep love and devotion they shared throughout their lives together.

Don was born on September 28, 1944, in Brookhaven, Mississippi, at King’s Daughters Hospital. From an early age, he embodied the values that would guide his life: service, leadership, integrity, and dedication to family. Don graduated from Odessa High School on June 3, 1963 and went on to graduate from Baylor University on June 2, 1967. He earned his Eagle Scout rank of the Boy Scouts of America in his youth, From July 6, 1967 to June 30, 1989 Don proudly started his service to our country in the United States Air Force, beginning in Vietnam and later at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., among other military installations, before retiring after 21 years with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Following his military career, he continued his life of public service through his work with the Texas Department of Transportation as a Regional Human Resource Manager and later as Director of Human Resources for the City of Odessa before finally retiring for good. In 2009-2010 Don was President of Texas Municipal Human Resources Association 2009-2010 and received his International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-CP) Certification.

Don was a man known for his strength, wisdom, generosity, humor, and unwavering loyalty to those he loved. He deeply valued family and friendships and found tremendous joy in spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many people he welcomed into his life as family. Don and Sue enjoyed traveling and visited many places throughout the world upon retirement.

He is survived by his sister, Linda Barone of Odessa, Texas; and his children: Eric Byrne and wife Lori of Channing, Texas; Brian Byrne of Minot, North Dakota; Gary Byrne of Odessa, Texas; and Carie Foreman and husband Johnny of Odessa, Texas.

He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Brett Gyurnek, wife Jasmine, and Nathan of Yokota, Japan; Erica Byrne of Amarillo, Texas; Riley Byrne and Olivia Lira of Lubbock, Texas; Brandon Byrne, wife Lorna, and children; Justin Byrne, wife Tobi, and children all of Minot, North Dakota; Lauren Elliott and husband Wesley and child of Fargo, North Dakota; Evelyn Sanchez and husband Sean of Provo, Utah; Hanna Brunette and husband Cameron, along with Scarlett, Emmersyn, Bridget, and Bennett of Kilgore, Texas; Gary Byrne Jr. and Regan Miller of Dripping Springs, Texas; Brayden Byrne of Darke County, Ohio; Kaylee Byrne and Jonathan Kennedy of Odessa, Texas; Mason Altom; Emmarie; Natalie Foreman and Cassie Foreman, all of Odessa, Texas, along with many more “adopted” family members nieces, nephews and friends who brought immense joy to his heart.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wilma Susanne “Sue” Byrne; his father, Claudie William Byrne; his mother, Hazel Boutwell Byrne; his older brother, James “Bobby” Byrne; and Eric’s very best friend, David, who passed away in 2023, along with other cherished family members and friends who welcomed him into eternal peace.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 25, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Don’s honor to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, or the Fisher House Foundation.

Don will be remembered for his dedication to keeping his family united, his generosity toward friends and neighbors, and the profound impact he made on the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His legacy of service, strength, compassion, and love will continue through the many lives he touched.

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 8:38–39