Lewis O. Byers

Lewis O. Byers, age 86, of Newcomerstown and formerly of New Philadelphia, died Sunday, September 20, 2009, in his home with his family at his side following a four month illness.A son of the late William and Elizabeth (Sickles) Byers, Lou was born at Zanesville, Ohio on December 14, 1922. His family soon relocated to the Tuscarawas Valley where as a student of New Philadelphia High School, Lou would proudly represent his school as the marching band’s first drum major. Following graduation, Lou was called to serve in World War II where he would be stationed at Papau New Guinea as a member of the South Pacific Air and Sea Rescue team under the direction of the United States Army Air Corps. Upon his return home, Lou married the former Ramona “Monie” Domer. Together the couple would rear two daughters, Marsha Mills and Jerri (Alan) Johnson. The family would later grow to include a granddaughter, Leslie (Jason) Miller; and three grandsons, Brian (Stacey) Vaughan, Brandon Johnson and Grant (Victoria) Johnson, who has always been proud to have shared the same birth date with his grandfather. Lou also adored his great-grandchildren; Julia and Ava Miller, Zachary and Samantha Vaughan and Hayden Johnson.Following Ramona’s passing, Lou re-married and with wife, Norma, at his side he has enjoyed the time shared with his expanded and blended family which include, daughters, Janice (Kevin) Hensel and Linda Waers; a granddaughter, Jamie Judy; grandson; Curt Judy and a great-grandson, Cameron Judy.Additionally, Lou will be missed by two sisters, Luella Frownfelter and Betty Weber; two brothers, Lee Byers and William Byers, II as well as numerous nieces and nephews who complete the family.In addition to his parents, and first wife, Ramona, Lou was preceded in death by a brother, Carlos Byers, a son-in-law, Mike Mills and Norma’s son, Bill Judy.Those who knew Lou best were aware of his natural charisma that led him into numerous positions in the sales field throughout his life. Whether it involved working for Archway Cookies at Canada or 7UP-RC Bottlers at Midvale, those whom he met took a liking to his honest nature and good humor. For a number of years Lou enjoyed those whom he encountered as a car salesman for Harry Humphries and Paul Bailey Ford. Others met Lou during his ownership of Boulevard Cleaners during the mid 70’s and 80’s. Never one to rest long though, Lou concluded his sales career by helping others rest as he spent nearly twenty years as an employee of Simmons Bed Center at New Philadelphia. As an avid bowler Lou spent a number of years enjoying league bowling with the New Philadelphia Elks. Dancing the sounds of Big Band Music was another of Lou’s many passions. During the winter months, Lou and Norma would enjoy the time spent with friends as they traveled to South Padre Island in the Gulf of Mexico; never leaving Ohio until after Christmas so that he was sure to spend the holiday with his family.Lou also enjoyed the time spent with friends as a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Newcomerstown and enjoyed supporting events held at the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 510, where he held a lifetime membership as well as the New Philadelphia American Legion Post 319, and the Carl C. Stoller Post 1445 of the New Philadelphia VFW. The family will receive friends on Wednesday (TODAY), September 23, 2009, from 2:00 Â? 4:00 PM and again from 6:00 Â? 8:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. The New Philadelphia Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 510 will perform services beginning at 7:45 PM. Pastor Kenneth G. Hacker will lead a celebration of Lou’s life in the funeral home’s chapel on Thursday, September 24, 2009, at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in the East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia where the Carl C. Stoller Post 1445 of the New Philadelphia VFW will perform military honors. Following the committal the family would like to invite guests to join them in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the New Philadelphia funeral home, where a meal and fellowship will be shared.Those wishing to do so may send memorial contributions in Lou’s name to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. Third Street, Dover, Ohio 44622 or Marsha Mills Defense Fund, P.O. Box 133, New Philadelphia Ohio 44663.