Byrnes

Donald E. "Big Ben" Byrnes, 82, of Chicora died at: 3:15 a.m. Tuesday at the Chicora Medical Center after a long illness.

Born in New Texas, Allegheny County, now Plum, Sept. 13, 1924, he was the son of Joseph R. and Gladys L. Bauder Byrnes.

He had been a machinist at Pullman Standard for years until the plant closed. He also was a gunsmith in Chicora for several years.

Mr. Byrnes served with the Army from Feb. 24, 1943, to June 27, 1946, during World War II, and he achieved the rank of buck sergeant. He served in the Italy Occupational Services Force as a demolition expert. He also was a gunsmith while in the military.

He was a member of Mater Dolorosa Roman Catholic Church in Chicora, the Chicora American Legion and was a member and past commander of the Chicora VFW Post.

He was a talented musician and singer and enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing and reading.

Surviving are three sisters, Ruth Baumgart and Mrs. Richard (June) Lowers, both of Chicora, and Mrs. Curtis (Roseann) McCollough of Sarver; and eight nieces and nephews.

His wife, Paula Vay Anthony Byrnes, whom he married June 4, 1966, died June 13, 1985. He also was preceded in death by two brothers.

<B>BYRNES </B>— Friends of Donald E. "Big Ben" Byrnes, who died Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the <B>STEIGHNER FUNERAL HOME</B>, 111 E. Slippery Rock St., Chicora. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at Mater Dolorosa Roman Catholic Church, 409 N. Main St., Chicora, with the Rev. David DeWitt officiating. Burial will be at the Hemphill Cemetery, Chicora.Military honors will be conducted by the Chicora VFW and American Legion posts and the 99th Regional Readiness Command of Coraopolis.