Richard A. "Shorty" Byrne, 77, World War II Veteran
Richard A. "Shorty" Byrne, age 77, of Lorain, died on Wednesday, December 4, 2002 at Akron General Medical Center, from injuries sustained in an auto accident. He was born on November 1, 1925 in Grant Town, West Virginia. He moved to the Lorain area in the early 1950's.He was employed at Ford Motor Company, Brookpark Engine Plant #2 for 31 years, retiring in 1985. He served in the United States Navy during World War II on the USS Nicholas. He received the Asiatic Pacific Area with 9 Stars, Philippine Liberation with 2 Stars, the WWII Victory Medal and a Presidential Unit Citation.
Richard was a member of the United Auto Workers Union Local #1250 and the Veterans of Foreign War Post #451. He enjoyed playing pool, reading westerns, golfing, and was an avid Cleveland Browns Fan.
He is survived by his wife of 13 years: Doris (nee Kelly), sons; William Byrne, of Stafford, VA, step-son: Rick Brown, of South Carolina, daughter Edith Parker, of Lorain, and step-daughter Denise Downs, of Niles, Ohio; 4 grandchildren, and a 6 great grandchildren, brothers; "Bud" William F. Jr., of Mass., Charles, of Weirton, WVA and Cecil, of Baxter, WVA, sisters; Nancy Corbin, of Fairmont WVA, and Betty Girod, of Lorain. He was preceded in death by his parents; William and Grace (nee Foils) Byrne and 1st wife Wavelene in 1957, daughter Patricia Byrne in 1957, and sister Edith Vincent.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 7, 2002 from 12:00 until time of services at 1:30 p.m. in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Ave., Lorain. Rev. David Straub, pastor, of Sonshine Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Twp.