Gary Byler

BYLER, GARY L passed away on Wed. March 19, 2014. He was born on Sept 30, 1945 in Wenatchee, Washington to Warren & Dora (Scott) Byler. The family settled in the Ozarks of Missouri where Gary developed his love for nature. He graduated from Macks Creek HS in 1963 and in 1968 he joined the Army. During his second tour of duty in Vietnam, First Lieutenant Byler sustained critical injuries ( losing two limbs) while leading his platoon into battle. For this action, Gary was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. He was with 5th Battalion, 46th Infantry, retiring as a Captain. He went on to graduate from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and earned his Master of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary. Pastor Byler was called to serve congregations in Wolf Point and Glasco, Mt. and later, Erie and Parsons, Ks. After retiring from the ministry, Gary settled in Mesa, Az. and later, Surprise, Arizona. Preceded in death by his parents and stepson, Scott A. Richards, Gary is survived by his wife, Barbara , sister, Hazel Wood (Bill Wood), sons, Warren G. Byler, Jeffrey R. Richards (Tracy Richards) daughters, Angela Byler, and Laura N. Keith (Brian Keith). He also had 13 grandchildren and 1great grandson. Gary had a special connection to the rescued dogs that found their way to his door. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Please email [email protected] for details on the service. Memorial donations may be made to the aspca.org, Banner Hospice, or woundedwarriorproject. Org/donate.