Robert James Byer, 85
Robert James Byer, 85 went to his heavenly home Saturday , April 30, 2011, in Fort Wayne.
He was born October 27, 1925 near Marshall, Michigan, a son of the late Herbert and Ruby Laukhart Byer. A 1944 graduate of the Wolf Lake High School, he served in the U.S. Navy during W.W. II.
Following his discharge from Navy, he returned to Noble County where he farmed until retiring at age 75.
On November 19, 1949, he was united in marriage to Lois Shivley, who survives him.
Robert loved teaching the youth of the Ormas Baptist Church for forty-seven years. He wanted the youth to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Strive to live for the Lord. In later years, he was the head of the Ormas Baptist Mission Board for over thirteen years.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children, Beverly (Rick) Merritt of AZ, Kevin Byer of CA, Cheryl (Robert) Broxon of IN, James (Stacia) Byer of CA and Michele (James) Crowley of IN; 10 grandchildren: Shane Merritt, Joshua (Mary) McClain, Laura (Christian) de Veer, Carrie Broxon, Craig (Lauren) Broxon, Kyle Broxon, Grant and Garrett Byer, Danielle (Robby) Schultz and Megan Crowley; 5 great grandchildren: Jordan & Tyler Merritt, Ruby & Paul McClain & Serena Broxon; a sister, Mary Lou (Les) Phipps and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by siblings, Eugene Byer, Betty Wolfe, Kathryn Holt and Herbert Junior Byer.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Christian Chapel Church in Merriam with Rev. Terry Zolman, officiating. The visitation will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City and one hour before the service at the church. The burial will be in the Thorn Cemetery at Ormas.
Preferred memorials may be made to the University Baptist Church for Mark Lehman, a Missionary to Taiwan; Box 1643, Clemson, SC 29633.
He was born October 27, 1925 near Marshall, Michigan, a son of the late Herbert and Ruby Laukhart Byer. A 1944 graduate of the Wolf Lake High School, he served in the U.S. Navy during W.W. II.
Following his discharge from Navy, he returned to Noble County where he farmed until retiring at age 75.
On November 19, 1949, he was united in marriage to Lois Shivley, who survives him.
Robert loved teaching the youth of the Ormas Baptist Church for forty-seven years. He wanted the youth to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Strive to live for the Lord. In later years, he was the head of the Ormas Baptist Mission Board for over thirteen years.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children, Beverly (Rick) Merritt of AZ, Kevin Byer of CA, Cheryl (Robert) Broxon of IN, James (Stacia) Byer of CA and Michele (James) Crowley of IN; 10 grandchildren: Shane Merritt, Joshua (Mary) McClain, Laura (Christian) de Veer, Carrie Broxon, Craig (Lauren) Broxon, Kyle Broxon, Grant and Garrett Byer, Danielle (Robby) Schultz and Megan Crowley; 5 great grandchildren: Jordan & Tyler Merritt, Ruby & Paul McClain & Serena Broxon; a sister, Mary Lou (Les) Phipps and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by siblings, Eugene Byer, Betty Wolfe, Kathryn Holt and Herbert Junior Byer.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Christian Chapel Church in Merriam with Rev. Terry Zolman, officiating. The visitation will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City and one hour before the service at the church. The burial will be in the Thorn Cemetery at Ormas.
Preferred memorials may be made to the University Baptist Church for Mark Lehman, a Missionary to Taiwan; Box 1643, Clemson, SC 29633.