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In Memory Of
John Ira Byers
05/21/1951 - 01/26/2010

John Ira Byers John Ira Byers, 58 of Solsberry, Indiana, died peacefully Tuesday, January 26, at his home with his loving family at his side. John was born to John Gilbert and Margaret (Routen) Byers in Bloomington In. on May 21 1951, He graduated from Bloomington High School in 1969, where he was a member of the 1968 Indiana High School State Championship Football Team, He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture from Ball State University in 1975. He married Lori Essling, of LaPorte, on September 6. 1986. They have three children, Jodi, John Quentin and Clair, all residing at home. John was the principle of John I. Byers and Associates, architectural firm, since 1978. From the onset of his career, he was an early advocate and local leader in the environmental building movement, having designed and been instrumental in the completion of the “Canada House”, One of his proudest professional accomplishments. John will be remembered for the many Bloomington buildings and residences he conceived. He will also be remember for his Generosity, John donated his time and designs freewill to the building projects of many local Charitable groups, a few being, the Salvation Army, United Ministries and the Hendricksville Community Building. John was a loving and involved parent who was active in the lives of his children. He especially enjoyed the time he spent coaching T-ball, Little League, Girls Softball and Biddyball. John was very involved with his son in Boy Scouts. Both of them enjoying many camping experiences. His many friends will fondly remember the annual October get together of camping, hayrides and horseshoes. The incredible Christmas cards he’d designed for the last 25 years will be missed by all. He especially loved attending auctions, always coming home with a surprise. When at home could often be found riding his tractor and mowing hay. He attended Solsberry Christian Church. John is survived by: wife, Lori; children, Jodi, John Quentin and Clair; his father, John; Stepmother, Treva; one sister, Sharon (Barry) Sutherlin; two stepsisters, Diane Costello and Arleen (Ron) Peters; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. The family plans a Celebration of John’s Life in May. Cremation has taken place and there will not be any services at this time. Friends may share memories and condolences with the family at www.pdcfuneralchapel.com Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, United Ministries, Young Life or to a college fund for his children. The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard, 3000 E. Third Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Comment Script

Guestbook - sign the guestbook

I learned of John's passing just today while looking at the BSU Alumni publication. John and I were friends at Ball State in the 70's. I moved to California after graduation. We maintained a correspondence for a few years, he even made a trip out here once in his little blue VW with the yellow wheels. John was a special guy, I have thought of him often through the years. The world is a sadder place without him in it. My condolences to his family.
Patti Green Peterson
Patti Green Peterson - signed on: 05/15/2010
Lori,

It was a sad day for me when I read of John's passing. I wish there was something I could do or say to help you and your children deal with the grief. I think of you and your family with much fondness.

Marilyn Gingerich
Marilyn Gingerich - signed on: 02/07/2010
Lori,

Please know how saddened I was to hear of John's death. My best wishes and prayers are with you and your children as you journey your grief. God bless you.

Al Johnson, Chaplain
Morgan Hospital & Medical Center
Martinsville, IN
Al Johnson - signed on: 02/04/2010
Lori
I was very saddened to hear of John's passing. Please accept my condolences and my prayers
Michael Wynn - signed on: 02/04/2010
Saddened to hear and read of John's death.

He worked his magic in many ways! By all acoounts, a good man. We are the better for having known him since school days.

Our sincere condolences and best wishes to you your family.
Becky and Stan - signed on: 02/04/2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. I knew the children and Lori from working at Eastern as a teaching assistant. I do believe I had the pleasure of meeting John at a school function one time.
Bev Burris
Beverly Burris - signed on: 02/03/2010
I had the pleasure of working with John on projects at MCCSC. His insight and professionalism made him one our favorite architects. He will truly be missed as a friend and colleague.
Debra Moore - signed on: 02/02/2010
Lori and family,

I was very sad to learn of John's passing. I've known John for a long time (since 7th grade, I think), and he was truly one of the good guys in this world. I know he will be missed by many.
My deepest condolences.
David Page - signed on: 02/02/2010
Dear Lori, Jodi, John Quentin and Claire:
My deepest sympathies go out to you in your time of grief and sorrow. John will be greatly missed. May you find peace and joy in remembering all of the good times you shared with John. Love, Mary
Mary Essling - signed on: 02/02/2010
Lori, We were so sad to hear about John. Our family loved him very much, he will be sadly missed.
Kevin & Chris McCann and Family - signed on: 02/02/2010
My sympathies to Lori and the three lovely children. My thoughts are with you. May you find peace in the memories of all the love you have shared and carry with you now in your hearts.





Marsue (margaret) McCalla-Jackson - signed on: 02/01/2010
Lori & Family,
We were stunned to read of John's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. He was always upbeat and friendly, and we always enjoyed talking with him.
Our deepest condolences,
Mike & tina
Michael & Tina Carter - signed on: 02/01/2010
Please accept our greatest sympathy. Sr. Dolorosa always kept us informed. We will certainly miss John if we ever make it to another family reunion.

Norbert, Betty, Martha and Kay
Lori and family - signed on: 02/01/2010
Dear Lori & Family,
There are no words at this time to ease your pain. I hope you find peace in your wonderful memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. With Love, Lor
Lori Allen - signed on: 02/01/2010
My family sends their condolences to Lori and the kids as well as John and Treva. I had the pleasure of taking care of Jodi and John Quenton for several years when they were young. Lori has been a dear friend of mine for many years. John designed my home and I am eternally grateful for that. He was a wonderful father, and has 3 wonderful children. My thoughts are with you all.
Kitty Rundell - signed on: 02/01/2010
A black viel of grief came over me when I saw that John had left this world for a better one. His many kind things he did will always be remember. The Hendricksville Community Center was completed with his help and guidness. Hendricksville has lost a great human being whose love for his community shines through the Center. Our loss is God's gain and his memories will live on. My prays and thoughts are with the whole family during this great loss. God's Speed Jim Ed Prow (Past President of the Hendricksville Area Association and current Board member. )
Jim Ed Prow - signed on: 01/31/2010
It is with great sympathy that we heard of the passing of John Byers. As I have had the pleasure of having John's two older children in class and coached Jodi in softball, John was truly a caring man that will be missed. May the incredible memories that he has shared with his blessed family and friends warm them at this time and in the future, as I know they are many. God Bless.
Gina Ingram and Family - signed on: 01/31/2010
Lori,

I am very sorry to read of the death of John. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Lynn Brown
Lynn Brown - signed on: 01/31/2010
My condolences go out to the Byers family. I had the priviledge to get to know the Byers by babysitting Jodi, John, and Clair when I was a senior in high school.
Michelle Binai - signed on: 01/31/2010
Even though I didn't personally know John, I had the pleasure of knowing the children while I worked at Eastern as a teaching assistant. Lori, I always appreciated all you did for your family-volunteering and the love always showed. Your children are great!! Undoubtedly, part of that came from their father as well. No doubt he will truly be missed by all, and I'm so sorry for your loss. You are all strong and hold onto all those wonderful memories.
Debra Skirvin - signed on: 01/31/2010
To the family of John & Lori Byers.
I was sadened when I read about John's passing. I used to work with John's father "John Byers, Sr "Bucky", at the Bloomington Post Office which would often tell me of his son's accomplishments.

Lori & family, please accept our sincere condolences.

Gary & Carla Howell
Bloomfield IN
Gary Howell (USPS Letter Carrier Retired) - signed on: 01/31/2010
The family of John Byers,

I had known John Byers for several years, first meeting him when he worked out of a house off of West Third Street. John and I worked together on projects over the years with my help as a civil and structural engineer. John was always easy to work with and I had a great deal of respect for his work. I always enjoyed his original Christmas cards that were done in pen and ink drawings. I am planning on sending a donation to MCUM in his memory. You have our deepest sympathy at this time.

Sincerely,

Kevin Potter
Kevin B. Potter and family - signed on: 01/31/2010
My husband and I read with sadness about the death of your husband and father. While we did not know John on a personal level, we were very lucky to have him design our home. He was truly an artist and professional. He was able to take the ramblings of two first time home builders and make them into a unique and wonderful family home.
We will always remember him with warmth and fondness. You have our deepest sympathies,
Duane and Patty Goldman










Duane and Patty Goldman - signed on: 01/31/2010
My late brother, Gene, and I spent many happy hours playing in the old house with "Johnny Buck" and Sharon when we were children. Big John and Margaret were such good people and such good friends to my parents and we stayed with them, along with the Manley family, when my parents were at the bedside of my dying aunt in Indianapolis. My condolences to my old friend, Sharon, and the entire family.
Vicki Massy Palmer - signed on: 01/31/2010
Lori and kids,

I am very sorry for your loss. John was such a great and very caring man. He was a great coach in t-ball. Always patient and calm with all of the kids and teaching them the game but also allowing them to have fun while doing it. He also took the time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions about being an architect for Sierra, who wants to be an architect in the future.

John lived such a short life but seemed to accomplish a lot in such a short time. We are all honored to have met him and spent time with him in that short time.

The New Family
Robin New - signed on: 01/31/2010
I am so sad to see that John has passed. I am an Architect here in Bloomington and always admired John. I enjoyed the banter we could have when we met in passing and could count on him as one of the truly talented designers! John will be missed by many! God Bless.
Doug Bruce - signed on: 01/30/2010
We are so very sad to hear of John's passing. Our condolences to the family.
Linda Mullins - signed on: 01/30/2010
Lori, Our deepest sympathy to you and the children. I will always cherish the memories from the October outing, and John's face when he came over the hill and he saw the "Billy-Bob teeth" gang standing in the woods. I am so glad John felt well enough to attend the class reunion this year as well. It was fun sharing the our memories. He will be sadly missed by all. Love to all,
Ric and Connie

Ric Hardin and Connie Borders - signed on: 01/30/2010


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