It is with deep love and great sadness that we announce the passing of Hobart Byrd, age 83, of South Lebanon, Ohio, on Thursday, January 22, 2026. He was born in Manchester, Kentucky, to Albert and Sarah (née Hacker) Byrd. A resident of South Lebanon for over 65 years, Hobart was a devoted husband, father, and family patriarch.

He spent countless days proudly watching his two sons play sports, following them from basketball courts to baseball fields. Hobart was an avid foxhunter who loved running his foxhounds, a passion that kept him closely connected to his Kentucky roots. He retired from Delco Products in Kettering, Ohio, after more than 30 years of dedicated service.

Hobart was preceded in death by his cherished wife of over 36 years, Joyce (née Haddix) Byrd; his parents, Albert and Sarah Byrd; four brothers, Albert Byrd Jr., Clarence Byrd, Brice Byrd, and Marion "Duper" Byrd; and four sisters, Lorene Madison, Rhoda Martin, Ollie Oldham, and Ida Smith.

He is survived by his two sons, Mike (Liz) Byrd of Maineville, Ohio, and Tim (Ronda) Byrd of Lebanon, Ohio. He was a proud Papaw to five grandchildren: Holly (Scott) Browning, Eric (Joshua) Byrd, Hannah (Josh) Ertel, Mark (Meredith) Byrd, and Kylee Byrd; and a loving Big Papaw to six great-grandchildren: Easton and Oakley Ertel, Bennett Browning, and Crosley, Baylor, and Otto Byrd. He is also survived by his brother, Millard (Darlene) Byrd of Morrow, Ohio, along with a host of nieces and nephews, beloved friends, and long-time neighbors.

Hobart was truly one of a kind—a character in the truest sense: unpolished, unforgettable, and deeply loved. Those who loved him best would not have changed him for the world.

Donations in Hobart's memory may be directed towards Ronald McDonald House Charities or Hospice of Cincinnati .

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home,129 N Riverside Ave, Loveland, Ohio, 45140. A private graveside burial to take place.