Daniel Thomas Byrnes

Daniel T Byrnes, 76, of Madison, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Dan was born on August 24, 1949, in Wichita, Kansas, to Thomas and Mary Byrnes. He graduated from Wichita High School North in 1965. He served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and earned a purple heart for his service. He later earned his degree from Wichita State University. He married Marcia Kania, on April 25, 1980. They were married for 23 years until Marcia’s passing two and a half years ago. He then joined the 21st century and finally acquired a cell phone.

Dan is survived by his children, Kristina Schroeder and James Byrnes; his grandchildren Jamie, Janna, and James Jr.; his brothers David Byrnes and Timothy Byrnes; his sisters Judy Byrnes, Dolly Morrison, Jane Byrnes, and Mary Clare Byrnes; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Marcia Byrnes, his sisters Jeanne Orth and Joyce Berger, and his son-in-law Kenton Schroeder.

Dan dedicated much of his professional life to serving his country — first in uniform and then as a civilian equipment specialist for the U.S. Army. His career took him from Michigan to Kentucky, where he worked at the Lexington-Bluegrass Army Depot, and eventually to Huntsville, Alabama, in 1993 where he worked with the Army’s Logistics Support Activity (LOGSA). He retired in 2003 after going to Iraq as a civilian contractor.

A man of many talents and deep interests, Dan spent his life learning, building, and exploring. He was a passionate blacksmith, gunsmith, hunter, fisherman, fly-tier, and motorcycle enthusiast. A favorite memory for his children is his years-long dedication to restoring a 1949 Harley-Davidson — a symbol of his perseverance and craftsmanship.

Dan was also a dedicated student of history and an unmatched trivia buff. He had an encyclopedic mind and loved sharing facts on everything. He meticulously maintained the Byrnes family tree. He was a proud lifelong Republican, a loyal patriot, and a man of principle and lived with curiosity and conviction.

Visitation will be held at Legacy Chapel Funeral Home in Madison, Alabama, on Friday, October 4, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. He will be buried with honors afterwards at Huntsville Memory Gardens. He will be deeply missed.