Donald R. Byers

Donald R. Byers, 74, of Berrien Springs, went to meet his Lord & Savior, Sunday, August 14, 2011 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Eternal Memorial Service will be held 10:00 A.M. Wednesday at Peace Lutheran Church, 3590 Lincoln Ave., St. Joseph, with Rev. Franz Brandenburg officiating, and military rites conducted by the North Berrien Military Rites Team. Private burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may call from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Peace Lutheran Church or the Berrien County Youth Fair. Those wishing to sign Don's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Don was born in Chicago on July 1, 1937. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1956 and attended the University of Minnesota. He served his country in the United States Air Force from 1956 until 1962. On March 14, 1964, he married the former Connie Woodward in St. Joseph. Don was employed at A.R. Roe Printing in St. Joseph for several years before gaining employment with Whirlpool, from where he retired after 34 years. He served as a volunteer fireman for St. Joseph Township for 16 years and in 1968 was elected Constable for St. Joseph Township. Don was a 4-H leader and Advisor for many years, a member of the Michiana Two Cylinder Club and a Charter Member of Peace Lutheran Church where he served as head usher. He served as Superintendent and on the Board of Directors with the Berrien County Youth Fair. He passed away on opening day of what would have been his 35th year of service to the fair. Don was a kind and loving man who always had a smile on his face and was always happy to help or volunteer in whatever way he could. He was happiest enjoying the out-of doors in beautiful Southwest Michigan. Don is survived by his wife Connie; his daughter Kelly (Brian) Nimtz of St. Joseph; his son Jeffrey (Michelle) Byers of Stevensville; four grandchildren-Erica & Jamie Byers, and Carter & Kelsey Nimtz; his mother-in-law Doris Woodward of St. Joseph; and his nephew Ryan Bendoski of Berrien Springs. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry & Hilda (Wildeman) Byers.