This story has been updated because an earlier version contained an inaccuracy.
Staff, friends and family will gather this weekend to honor the life and legacy of local business owner Danny Byrd, 59, who died Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Byrd loved serving his community, and for decades he did just that with his pioneering restaurants such as the Bourbon Street Café in Amarillo; Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner, with its unique train and creative décor, to his big dream, The Lumberyard, a massive undertaking and huge multi-venue for the town of Canyon.
He was a huge asset and visionary for Canyon and also a caring owner who looked out for his staff. Facebook is full of thoughtful memories dedicated to him.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear friend, mentor, and owner, Danny Byrd,” the Lumberyard announced in a Facebook post on Sept. 2. “Danny wasn’t just the owner of The Lumberyard and Feldman’s — he was the heart and soul behind them. His vision, laughter, and kindness touched so many lives here in Canyon and beyond. He believed in building more than just places for food, music, and community — he built a family. As we gather to honor Danny’s life and legacy, The Lumberyard and Feldman’s will be closed on Saturday, September 6th, for his services. We ask that you keep Danny’s family and friends in your prayers during this difficult time.”
“His legacy will live on through the countless memories he created and the community he loved so much,” the post continued. “Thank you, Danny, for everything. You will be missed but never forgotten.”
According to his obituary, Byrd was born Nov. 24, 1965 in Canyon to J. D. and Faye (Baker) Byrd. He was a graduate of Canyon High School, played baseball at Seward County Junior College in Liberal, Kansas, and then received his bachelor’s degree from West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M Uuniversity), where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.
Byrd was also named Man of the Year in 2024 by the Canyon Chamber of Commerce.
Byrd’s early years start with deep roots in the City of Canyon. He played football at Canyon High School in the early ’70s and helped his father, who ran Byrd Pharmacy, on the Canyon Square. Like many pharmacies of that era, it had a fountain that served real soft drinks, mixed behind the fountain with syrup and carbonated water — not from a bottle or can — along with hamburgers and sandwiches. They also had ice cream specials, milkshakes, banana splits and sundaes. Byrd loved the restaurant and his father’s passion for people, and it made an indelible impression on him.
Classmates remember Danny Byrd, the prankster
Canyon City Clerk/Director of Administration Gretchen Mercer said that she grew up with Byrd and knew him for years. “He was a fun-loving guy and also loved his community,” she said.
Classmate Darrell Henson knew him well, having gone through Canyon High School and WT with him, as well as playing football and being in the same fraternity. The two, who graduated in 1984, had many escapades together through the years.
One, recalled by Henson, involved going on a water-skiing trip to Greenbelt Lake outside Clarendon when they were in college. “We were cruising along the ‘No boat zone’, at about 80 mph … the lake patrol had a boat with police lights on it that went about 40 mph. They turned on the lights and came after us,” Henson said with a laugh. “We decided to just mess with them and took off because we could outrun them. We went to the other end of the lake and water-skied a while before they caught up with us. Then we took off to the other side and they were chasing us the whole time. We messed with them a few hours and it was getting dark, and we were thinking, ‘man, how are we going to get off this lake’? We went to the boat ramp at the other end where I dropped him out. He got in my truck and backed the trailer down into the water. We got the boat loaded in time and were driving off as they were running up the ramp to do whatever they were going to do to us, but we never looked back,” he said. “We laughed ourselves sick about that story, but it was good times.”
Henson recalled another story that transpired at Canyon High School during football practice. “In high school, we were in two-a-days, and toward the end, coaches divided the team in two. Danny played offense and I played defense. One day, I didn’t see him coming, but he hit me in the knees and tore my ACL out. I missed the whole season as a result of it. I was so mad, but the funny thing was, the next week, Danny was on the sidelines with me because he broke his hand in a motorcycle wreck. We got to spend the whole season together on the sidelines. During practice, we’d go out and I’d hold the ball and he kicked field goals. That was our practice,” Henson said. “I still like that scar on my knee that reminds me of him.”
Another memory Henson had was when he was on the field and the opposing quarterback threw the ball and it hit him right in the stomach. “I was just looking at it, and Danny was behind me screaming, ‘Run with it,’ and I took off running. They blew the whistle, though, and thought I went down, but I didn’t. We argued with the referee, but we lost the game because of it. But it was still a funny story,” he said.
“He was always a little bit crazy and that’s what made him fun.”
Restaurant business gets into his blood
During the time Byrd attended West Texas State College, he worked part-time at a restaurant. That’s when food service became his calling and his passion. “It just gets in your blood, and I can’t imagine sitting behind a desk,” he often said.
Then he came up with a plan to have his own restaurant. In 2003, he established the original Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner, which was located east of the Downtown Square in Canyon. It had unique signage and quirky interior and the famous train that ran around a track through the top area of the walls.
Byrd brought in customers in by letting them name Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner. Wrong Way Feldman was an old barnstormer in a “Gilligan’s Island” episode, and he thought it fit. He was active in working with his staff to keep things moving smoothly. Feldman’s has catered a massive number of events and happenings in Canyon. His chicken fried steaks were a favorite go-to for Canyon and area residents.
Later, Feldman’s was moved to a larger area near the entrance of Canyon on the north end. It still maintained the original uniqueness and charm, as well as the model train that runs through the area. It is still a staple of Canyon life and a business model of success. Byrd kept the restaurant running during the pandemic by offering take out and keeping his employees working.
The innovator also owned a Cajun-style restaurant in Amarillo called Bourbon Street Café, off I-40 just east of Western Street. Byrd loved having live entertainment and carried that dream with him to the future. “I used to have live music at Bourbon Street and wanted that to come back for Canyon,” he said in a Globe-News article published in May 12, 2024.
At one time, he owned the Tex Randall statue and had plans to move it to Feldman’s when it was relocated in a larger venue near the entrance of Canyon. But the excessive cost ruled that out. He eventually turned it over to the Canyon Chamber of Commerce, and through fundraising, it was restored by the Canyon Economic Development Corporation.
It was in 2024 that Byrd was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of having a large venue to serve as a convention area/top entertainment venue/banquet area. He called it The Lumberyard, after its previous life as Taylor’s Lumberyard. The huge area had been untouched for decades when he asked the existing Taylor family about purchasing it. To his surprise, they named the price, and he took it.
It was a monumental task, to turn an old lumberyard, with a Quonset hut and old lumber storage area into an entertainment venue for Canyon and the area. A few people wondered if he could actually do it, including Byrd. But in a relatively short time, he did. The Quonset hut was painted white with a Texas Star painted on front, and now it pops with excitement and action and a beer wall along with sparkling lights, neon, Fender guitars and memorabilia. It also is home to a 26,000 square foot outdoor stage area. The first concert took place May 18 with the Josh Abbott Band, known for such hits as “My Dad and His Truck” and “Country Nights.” The popular area also contains a huge patio area, also set up for bands, with another beer wall, dog area and game area.
Byrd and his wife, Rachel, also have made significant lifetime contributions to the success and legacy of WTAMU Athletics.
When he was named Man of the Year, one of his children, Bailey, commented he was “her protector, teacher and best friend.” Those who knew him also knew of his sense of humor and keen imagination. He also maintained a love of flying and adventure. He was fond of saying, “Your glass is always half full.”
According to his obituary, Byrd was preceded in death by his parents and a brother. Survivors include his wife, Rachel; children, Brittany Webb and husband, Charlie of Canyon, Bailey Hartman and husband, Kelby of Canyon, Ellen Faulkner and husband, Cody of Ft. Worth, Keaton Brock of Grapevine, and Allyson Knight and husband, Jordan of Canyon; three grandchildren, Claire and Nolan Webb and Baker Hartman, with one more, Josie Knight, on the way; and two brothers, Dr. Bill Byrd and wife, Cindy of Amarillo and Dr. Bruce Byrd of Taos, NM.
About the time he purchased The Lumberyard from a member of the Taylor family, he was diagnosed with ALS, which didn’t stop him from pursuing his dream of giving Canyon a large entertainment venue that could bring in top-notch entertainment.
His enduring dedication, humor and goodness will live on in the community for decades to come. As his friend, Darrell Henson put it, “The community of Canyon will miss him.”
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 at The Lumberyard Patio with Shane Nease, pastor of Living Water Christian Fellowship, officiating. The family will receive friends until 2 p.m., and private burial will be in Dreamland Cemetery. Brooks Funeral Directors of Canyon is handling arrangements.
The family suggests memorial donations be given to Team Gleason Foundation, PO Box 24493, New Orleans, LA 70184, to ALS.org, or to any other charity of choice.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Danny Byrd loved serving his community, from Bourbon St. Café to Feldman’s to Lumberyard
Reporting by Nell Williams, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
