William “Bill” Byer, of Warsaw and Chapman Lake, passed away on June 14, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and love. He touched the lives of many during his lifetime and will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend.
Born in Knox, Indiana, on September 10, 1940, to George and Laura Stipp Byer, he was a 1959 graduate of Knox High School where he played football, basketball, and track, and later was inducted into the Knox Athletic Hall of Fame. He then attended Purdue University as a walk-on football player and graduated in 1964 from Ball State University.
Bill proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a pilot, flying KC-135 refueling tankers during the VietNam era. He was honorably discharged having earned the rank of Captain.
In addition to his military service, Bill served in the private sector as a corporate pilot, spending all 29 years of his career with Amoco/BP. He loved flying and was proud to have flown several past presidents, a first-lady, and many other notable passengers including Father Theodore Hesburgh, Ann Landers, and Ed McMahon.
Bill was a member of Walnut Creek United Methodist Church and served on their Missions Committee for ten years. He had a heart for community service work, particularly building wheelchair ramps with fellow church members as well as the Servants at Work (SAWs) group. He loved the mission trips he was able to go on and helped with various projects on those trips.
Bill had many hobbies that brought him joy including golfing, boating, working in his yard, as well as tinkering in his “Super Shed.” But probably his favorite pastime was taking friends and family boating on Chapman Lake. The one thing so many friends and family will remember with a smile was Bill’s wonderful sense of humor, which they witnessed on a daily basis.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Kay “Katie” Siebenthal Byer; children, William Todd Byer (Julia Wallace) of Steamboat Springs, Colorado and Mindy Lawton (Mike McCartney) of Loveland, Colorado; grandchildren, Alex Lawton and Christine Lawton; great-grandchildren, Isaiah and Isabella; brother, George, Jr. of Knox; two nieces and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James Byer and sister, Patricia Byer.
Friends may call at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 Sheridan Street, Warsaw on Wednesday, June 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. On Thursday, June 29, a Life Celebration will begin at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery following the service with full military honors.
