9/17/84 – 1/7/24

Michael Lane Byrd, born Michael Lane Farrow, 39, passed away peacefully in his home in Austin, Texas on Jan. 7, 2024.

Michael was born Sept. 17, 1984, to parents William Dan Farrow and Cynthia Belle Farrow of Westlake. He grew up in Westlake, La. and was a member of First Baptist Church of Westlake.

After graduating from Westlake High School in 2002, Michael moved to Denver, Colo. where he went on to pursue an impressive career around his love of computers. He continued his education at the Community College of Denver where he studied Computer Science. He also attended the Art Institute of Colorado where he studied Interactive Media Design, 3D Modeling & Animation, and Audio Engineering. During his time in Colorado, he began his career as a Senior Developer at Slice of Lime in Boulder, Colo. He then moved on to be a Senior Software Engineer for Sphero, where he became part of a team that created educational toys that are used to teach robotics and coding in classrooms around the country, including his own hometown middle school, S.P. Arnett. Michael eventually became the founder of Prototypical LLC where he would design, build, collaborate and iterate software application ideas.

Michael was a funny, loving and caring person with a huge heart. He instantly lit up a room with his beautiful smile, goofy faces and witty personality. He was extremely intelligent, artistic, wise beyond his years, and someone you could turn to for great advice. He had a love for computers and gaming and enjoyed sharing that passion with his nephews. Michael enjoyed traveling and vacationing with his friends and family, gaming, and playing with his dogs Retro and Oona. He also loved hanging out with his friends Josh Meiburg, Jamie Meiburg, Derrek Dozier, Mitch Mitchell, Ryan LeBert, and Randrick Joubert whom he considered to all be family. Michael loved his family, and never left without letting them know.

Michael is survived by his Wife, Brandi Diehl of Austin, Texas, Mother, Cindy Byrd of Lake Charles, brother and sister-in-law, Josh and Lindsay (Farrow) Byrd of Westlake, La., and Nephews, Keenan and Bryson Byrd of Westlake, La. Michael is preceded by his father, William Dan Farrow; maternal grandparents, Eunice and Daisy Byrd; paternal grandparents, Robert and Gwen Farrow; and aunt, Rebecca Byrd.

Michael was a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him. At his request, there will be no funeral service.