Obituary: Byers, Thomas J. Jr. (Age 86)
A graveside service will be Friday, July 19, at 10:00 am in the Endicott Cemetery followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Tom was born in Spokane, Washington on March 18, 1927 to Thomas and Margaret Payne Byers.
He grew up on a farm near Spangle and graduated from Cheney High School in 1948.
Tom was active in 4-H and FFA, showing prize steers and other livestock.
He married Patricia Stuhr on October 2, 1949.
He and Pat moved to a cattle and wheat ranch near Pomeroy, farming as Byers Brothers with his brother, John.
They were selected Garfield County Cattlemen of the Year in 1953.
Tom was an avid horseman and animal lover.
He served as a 4-H leader for a number of years, and as a Garfield County Horse Fair Superintendent.
In 1966, Tom, Pat, and their two daughters bought wheat and cattle ranch at Winona and moved there.
Tom was chosen as Rock Lake Farmer of the Year.
He retired from farming in 1973 and moved to Endicott and spent more than 20 years with the McGregor Company, where he made many lasting friendships with co-workers and clients alike.
He served as mayor of Endicott for twelve years.
He was a man of faith, serving his church, Trinity Lutheran in many ways.
He enjoyed helping others with building projects and repairs, with long-time friend, Don Lust through their company - E.O.F.C.C.
- translated, “Endicott Old Farts Construction Company”.
He also enjoyed gardening with his Cub Cadet tractor and making metal garden sculptures.
Tom was a kind, generous man who loved his family and community deeply.
His sense of humor will be missed by all.
He enjoyed life and his family will cherish the memory of this wonderful man forever.
He is survived by his wife, Pat, at the family home, daughters Jan and Greg Ireton, Houston, Texas and Lori and Jeff Wente, West Linn, Oregon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John and his sister, Frances.
The family suggests memorial gifts to Trinity Lutheran Church, Whitman Hospital Foundation, Endicott EMT’s or charity of choice.
On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax is caring for the family.