Brian A. Byington

Brian A. Byington, 32, of New Philadelphia, died Monday July 7, 2008 after disappearing in the Tuscarawas River where he was spending time with family and friends.A son of Emily (Conway) Byington of Arlington, Texas and the late Ricky Byington, Brian was born May 5, 1976 at Kearney, Nebraska.He was a former student of the Tuscarawas Valley School District as well as Buckeye Career Center. Brian was employed by Don Poncho’s Restaurant at New Philadelphia where he worked as a cook for the past seven years.Brian leaves behind his wife, the former Elizabeth Conner whom he married on March 17, 2008 and two children, thirteen year old Vincent Pierce Jackson Byington of New Philadelphia and two year old, Macy Dawn Starner of Cambridge, Ohio. He cherished the time spent with his children and he especially enjoyed playing football and basketball with them.He was an avid outdoorsman that enjoyed any activity that allowed him to be outside. Brian also had a passion for making candles which many family members have in their possession and will hold dear to their hearts.In addition to his wife, children and mother, Brian is survived by a sister, Michelle (Bob) McGuire of Omaha, Nebraska; brothers, Jack (Steph) Byington of Belleville, Illinois, Chad Byington of Canton, Ohio, Mike Byington and his fiance, Luanne Altier of Cambridge, Ohio and Tommy Scarborough of Omaha, Nebraska; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Linda and Doyle Conner of New Philadelphia and brothers-in-law, Doyle Conner Jr. of New Philadelphia, Dan Meneffe of Dover and Dale Meneffe of Coshocton, Ohio. Several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends complete the family.Brian was preceded in death by his father, Ricky; his second wife, Colleen (Bower) Byington and his grandparents.Brian’s family will receive guests on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A memorial service celebrating Brian’s life will follow at 7 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Chapel which will be led by his friend, L.C. Cross. Following the service, a memorial reception will be held in the lower level of Don Poncho’s Restaurant at New Philadelphia.Contributions may be made to the Brian Byington Memorial Fund at any First National Bank of Dennison location as well as any Woodforest National Bank, which can be found in Wal-Mart stores.