William Byrd

William Byrd, 73, of Stuart, Florida, passed away October 14, 2022 in Overland Park, KS from lung cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held at 6pm, Friday, November 11, 2022 at Lake Shawnee Shelter House #6, in Topeka, Kansas.

William was born on June 2, 1949 in Washington, DC to Harold and Sue Byrd. He was then raised in Ridgecrest, California with five siblings. He was the captain of the football team at Burroughs High School. He attended college at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California on a golf scholarship, majoring in architecture. After a couple years of college, he followed his fiancé to Topeka, Kansas and opened the Byrd’s Nest restaurant. He was married 3 times and had three children – two sons and a daughter.

William was an amazing chef. The Byrd’s Nest had a huge menu and was known for the best steaks in town. It was well loved by many Topekans for over 20 years. In 1998, Bill fell ill and had to close the restaurant. After retiring and traveling around the country, he settled in Stuart, Florida. He lived there on his boat for several years where he was happy as a clam. He enjoyed the ocean, good food, riding his electric bike and attending jazz concerts on the river every Sunday.

He is preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include daughter Alexa Byrd; and sons Jacob Byrd and Jason Pitsenberger; grandchildren Cameron Byrd, Aurelia Byrd and Jordan Pitsenberger; siblings Kathy Decar, Jimmy Byrd, Bobby Byrd, Becky Blum, and Nancy Byrd; along with several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Bill was a beloved son, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He touched many lives and will be missed dearly.