Roger Dean Byerly, Sr.

He was born in Brooklyn, Iowa on July 8, 1935 to the late Raymond & Elizabeth (Rhinehart) Byerly.

Roger enlisted in the Air Force on June 23, 1953 at the age of 17. A career military man, Roger rose to the admirable rank of Chief Master Sergeant, US Air Force, with positions such as Maintenance Analysis Superintendent, Production Supervisor, and Wing Sergeant Major, McCoy AFB. Roger also served as a member of the Inspector General Team at Barksdale AFB. He was the recipient of numerous medals, including the prestigious Bronze Star.

Travels included Offutt AFB Nebraska, Morón AB Spain, Griffiss AFB New York, Hickam AFB Hawaii, Vandenberg AFB California, Barksdale AFB Louisiana, McCoy AFB Florida, where he served as Wing Sergeant Major, and MacDill AFB Florida. Roger also served in Korea and Vietnam. He retired from the Air Force in 1975.

While serving at Offutt AFB, he met his future wife, Loretta (Vacanti), while she herself was working at Offutt AFB Nebraska. They have been married 67 years as of September 7, 2024. Most of Roger’s time outside of serving the military has been filled with attending his children’s, grand, and great grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities with Loretta. Not to mention summers of pool time, board games, and enjoying Loretta’s cooking together.

Roger created a beautiful legacy, and his family will always cherish their memories together.

He is survived by wife Loretta J. Byerly; sister, Harriett Schaeffer; Father to: Mary (Steve) Poorman, Patrice (Jeff) Guy, Roger Byerly, Jr., Raymond (Jill) Byerly, Rodney (Denise) Byerly; Grandfather to: Jennifer Hawley, HM1 USN Matthew (Julie) Poorman, Courtney Guy, Sean (Lauren) Guy, Samuel Byerly, Morgan (Jason) Krupp, Tori (Matt) Uhlman, Taylin Byerly, Raymond Byerly, Jr., Kendall Byerly, and Kelsey Byerly; and Great Grandfather to: Haleigh Hawley, Hunter and Nora Poorman, Stevie Guy, and Rhett and Jovie Uhlman.

In lieu of flowers, the Byerly Family invites you to make a donation in Roger’s name to Tunnels to Towers. Link provided below.

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