Byers

Robert C. Byers, 90, of Karns City passed away Wednesday at VNA Inpatient Hospice.

He was born on April 2, 1923, in Butler, the son of Earl and Stella (Harmon) Byers.

Mr. Byers was a lifelong resident of northern Butler County. He was a graduate of the Fairview Township, Karns City High School, Class of 1941, and a member of the Karns City United Methodist Church.

Following graduation and during World War II, he briefly worked for the Republic Aircraft Co., testing weapon systems for the P-47 fighter aircraft.

He married the love of his life, Beverly Jean (Lane) Byers in Queenstown, Pa., on Dec. 4, 1948. They were blessed with 60 years of marriage before her passing in April 2009.

Bob worked as a welder with Pullman Standard for 30 years before retiring in 1982. He also co-owned and operated the family oil business, just as his father and grandfather had done, well into his 80s. He was proud to continue the heritage of his family with one of the last wooden oil derricks in operation in Butler County and one of the oldest producing commercial wells in the world, drilled in 1872. Bob also was a long-standing board member of the Bear Creek Cemetery Association.

Bob enjoyed hunting, traveling and camping. Another favorite pastime was playing cards, and he looked forward to the monthly card club nights with friends.

Bob was a hard-working, reliable man who could always be counted on to lend a hand. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be missed and remembered fondly.

His memory will be carried on by his two sons, Daniel L. Byers and his wife, Ginger, of Erie and Michael C. Byers and his wife, Cindy, of Karns City; a daughter-in-law, Lucinda Byers of Kissimmee, Fla.; four grandchildren, Julie A. Byers and David C. Byers of Kissimmee, Fla., Kelly L. Byers of Erie and Michaila G. Byers of Karns City, and one sister, Lois Helfrich and her husband, Richard, of Karns City.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beverly Jean (Lane) Byers; his son, David R. Byers, who died on July 27, 2013; two grandchildren, Katie Danielle Byers and Rebecca Lynn Byers; one brother, James Byers, and one sister, Waunetta Laughlin Hoover.

Byers — Relatives and friends of Robert C. Byers, who passed away Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013, may visit from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at theBauer-Hillis Funeral Home, 102 Argyle St., Petrolia.

Burial will be in Bear Creek Cemetery, Fairview Township, Butler County, and will be private.

A celebration of Bob’s and his son David’s lives will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the Karns City United Methodist Church, 117 Petrolia St., Karns City, with Dr. John Aupperle and the Rev. Jim Lewis, co-officiating.

In honor of Bob, contributions may be made in his memory to the VNA Inpatient Hospice, 115 Technology Drive, Butler, PA 16001 or to the Karns City United Methodist Church, 117 Petrolia St., Karns City, PA 16041.

To view a video tribute honoring Bob’s life or to express an online condolence to his family, please visit www.bauerhillisfuneral.com.