RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Mr. Steven Byrda, 88, of House Rd., (town of Columbia), affectionately known as “My Dollee” by his wife, Avis, went home to be with the Lord peacefully on Tuesday morning, August 11, 2009 in St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center. At the time of his passing he had the love and support of his family at his side. Mr. Byrda was born in Shenandoa, Pennsylvania on May 27, 1921, son of the late John and Anna (Gulick) Byrda and educated in Herkimer schools. His marriage to Avis Conover took place on July 25, 1953. The couple have together enjoyed a loyal and dedicated union of 56 years. A proud veteran of the United States Army, he served during World War II in the Signal Corp. enlisting in 1942 and was honorably discharged holding the rank of Staff Sgt. in 1946. He was the recipient of the American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Steven honorably served in conflicts in Central Burma, China, India, Africa and Egypt. He was a lifelong dairy farmer owning and operating their farm in the town of Columbia for numerous years and also was a successful crop farmer. Steven and his wife are devoted members of the Sts. Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church, East Herkimer. Steven loved God and Jesus. He spent most of his life on the farm, which he loved. He loved the outdoors, hunting, trapping, reloading, target shooting and was an accomplished fire wood worker. Most of the furniture in his home was crafted by him without any flaws. An active man, he learned to ski at the age of 42 years and served on ski patrol. From there, he went on to teach skiing. He spent many winters skiing locally and out west. In fact, he still enjoyed skiing up until the age of 84. Imbued with great strength of character, Steven undertook all projects and fulfilled all responsibilities, both in his working life and personal life with determination and commitment. He will be sadly missed and forever remembered. Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 56 years: Avis of Richfield Springs; his devoted and loving canine companion, Misty; many nieces and nephews; his devoted friends and caregivers: David and Cindy (Johnson) Rose of Cedarville, Boomie and Ellen Davis of Ilion, Bob Meyers of Ilion, and his neighbors, John and Rita Murtha and Mark Buddle. Steven was predeceased by two sisters: Anna and Mary and by two brothers: Michael and John. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer, on Friday, August 14, 2009 from 6-8 p.m. and also on Saturday morning, August 15, 2009 from 9:15 am until 10:15 a.m. Mr. Byrda’s funeral will commence at 10:15 am on Saturday, August 16th from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered and at 11 am from Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, East Herkimer, where his funeral mass will be celebrated by Fr. Alexey Karlgut, assisted by Father James Guirguis of St. George Orthodox Church, Utica. Procession will follow to Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Cemetery, East Herkimer where he will be laid to rest. Military honors will be offered by the United States Army, along with a gun salute. Kindly consider memorial offerings to the Herkimer County Humane Society, Mohawk or to the Cedarville Volunteer Fire Department; envelopes may be obtained at the funeral parlor. The family offers its sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Utica for their tender love and care offered during this difficult time. Avis also would like to thank her friends and neighbors for the kind acts of sympathy offered during this difficult time.