Trending
Richard "Dick" Dean Byers, 88, of Bellefonte, passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Centre Care.
Born on June 16, 1936, in Cherry Tree, he was the son of the late George Monte and Francys (Stayer) Byers. On Nov. 26, 1958, he married his beloved wife, Mary Ellen (Breon) Byers, who preceded him in death on May 15, 2021, after sharing over 62 years of marriage together.
Dick was a 1954 graduate of State College Area High School. After school he proudly served his country in the United States Air National Guard from August 1958 until he was honorably discharged. After his time in the service, he started his own TV repair shop, Dick's TV, and moved on to work for the State College bus station, Progressive News and then as a parts manager at several local car dealerships throughout the years. Dick finished his career at Penn State in the vending and housing maintenance departments from 1978 until his retirement in 2001.
He is survived by his children, Cindy Newman (Jim) and Amy Beck (John); two grandchildren, Jeremy Beck and Joshua Beck (Alisha); and a great grandson, Jake Beck. Also surviving is a brother, Robert (Elizabeth); a sister, Margaret; and a sister-in-law, Dorothy, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerald (Mary Ann), William, John (Wanda), and Gene (Leona); and a sister, Jane (Russell) and brother-in-law, Gordon.
Dick was a member of the Teamsters Local 8, American Legion Post #867 in Pleasant Gap and the 112th Aircraft Control and Warning (ACTN) Squadron in the US Air Force Air Reserve. He was an avid Penn State football fan and always looked forward to tailgating for the games in the fall. He enjoyed hunting and time spent outdoors, mostly spending time with his family, and he secretly loved the Grange Fair. He also enjoyed reading Civil War and WWII stories and working through puzzle books. Dick also looked forward to his regular breakfasts at the TA in Milesburg.
A public graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Meyer Cemetery, with Rev. Carl Campbell officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
The family would like to extend their most heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Eagle Valley Personal Care Home, where Dick spent the last two years and at Centre Care during his brief stay, for their compassion and care that they provided to Dick.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Dick to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America at alzfdn.org or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com