Gene Byers

Gene Byers, 79, of Midvale, died Wednesday, February 24, 2010 in Hennis Care & Retirement Centre at Dover following a period of declining health.A son of the late John and Buehla (Herron) Byers, Gene was born March 19, 1930 at Brightwood, Ohio.Gene graduated from Midvale High School in 1949. Following high school, he enlisted with the United States Army and served for two years in Korea during the Korean Conflict.He retired as a self employed truck driver and prior to owning his own company he drove for many different trucking companies in the area.Gene was a member of the Midvale V.F.W. Post #9620 where he was also the first ever Post Commander. He also dedicated much of his time to the Post #9620 funeral honor detail.Up until the time of his illness, Gene could often be found walking at New Towne Mall. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends and especially enjoyed spending time with his family including attending his grandchildren’s various sporting events.He is survived by his children, Rocky (Bernadette) Byers of Tuscarawas, Jonnie Byers of New Philadelphia, Tadd (Coreen) Byers of New Philadelphia and Todd (Amy) Byers of Midvale; 11 grandchildren, George Miller, Candice Carlisle Byers and Rhonda Byers, Janson and Matt Colvin, Cory, Colt, Chase, Dusty, Brady and Rylie Byers; two brothers, Glenn “Butch Byers of Midvale and Robert Byers of Lexington, Ohio.Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jacqueline (Smith) Byers who passed away on March 25, 2004; a brother, Harold Byers and a sister-in-law, Sandra Byers.The family will receive friends on Friday, February 26, 2010 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating Gene’s life will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 10 a.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Larry Hostetler officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia with the Midvale V.F.W Post #9620 rendering military honors.Contributions may be made in Gene’s memory to the Midvale V.F.W. Post #9620, P.O. Box 125, Midvale, and OH 44653.