By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
12 Comments
  • Visitation

    Sunday, December 12, 2021
    4:00 to 8:00 pm
    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL and
    Monday, December 13, 2021
    9:00 to 11:00 am
    Evangelical United Church of Christ, Highland, IL.

  • Service

    Monday, December 13, 2021
    11:00 am
    Evangelical United Church of Christ, Highland, IL.

  • Full Obituary

    Harold Dean Byers, 86, of Highland, IL, passed away peacefully at home, on Thursday, December 9, 2021, with his wife Nancy at his side.

    Harold was born in Folsomville, IN on October 6,1935 to Ella Mae and Harold J. Byers. He married Nancy Reinke on December 3, 1955; sharing 66 beautiful years together.

    Harold spent his career in the book business as a salesman and owner of B&B Book Supply. He was also a member of the Illinois General Assembly, serving as a State Representative from 1975-1979. He was a member of the Madison County Board for 16 years, served as a member of the Illinois Board of Elections, and the Metro East Park and Recreation District. He was a member of the Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, IL.

    During his public service career, he received many accolades for his independence and positive impact on the greater good. He had a generous spirit and lived his life to the fullest, enjoying travel, attending sporting events, and following the horses. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and enjoyed watching or participating in all sports.

    He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Elaine Grundhoefer; brother, Ronald Byers; and his daughter-in-law, Deborah Byers.

    He survived by his loving wife, Nancy Byers, Highland, IL; his seven children, Cheryl Byers, Chicago, IL, Sheila (Rich Ullman) Byers, Highland, IL, Keith (Patricia) Byers, Collinsville, IL, Lana (Willard) Herman, Highland, IL, Greg (Jane) Byers, Napa, CA, Jeff (Angela Schmidt) Byers, Keyesport, IL, and Phil Byers, Collinsville, IL.; his 13 grandchildren, of whom he was extremely proud of, Mandy Eyrich, Kim Fulton, Ashley Dickey, Margaret Byers, Eric Byers, Katelyn Kuk, Catherine Byers, Tara Byers, Maxwell Byers, Jennifer Ullman, Elaine Herman, Peter Byers, and Hannah Clifford; his eight beloved great grandchildren, Emmaline Eyrich, Spencer Eyrich, Emmalyn Dickey, Nora Dickey, Henry Dean Byers, Briella Byers, Miles Fulton, Grayson Davis, with two more on the way; and two brothers, Gary Byers and Sam Byers.

    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Louis Latzer Public Library-Children’s Department or to the Highland Area Christian Service Ministry Food Pantry.

    Visitation: Sunday, December 12, 2021, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL and Monday, December 13, 2021, from 9:00 to 11:00 am, at Evangelical United Church of Christ, Highland, IL.

    Funeral Service: Monday, December 13, 2021, 11:00 am, Evangelical United Church of Christ, Highland, IL.

    Clergy: Pastor Todd Bean, EvUCC, Highland, IL.

    Interment: Highland City Cemetery

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

12 Condolences
 
  1. LInda Driesner / December 10, 2021 at 11:41 am

    We are so very sorry to hear this sad news. On behalf of myself and all the other JOY Singers, we extend our heartfelt sympathy, and ask God to grant his wife and family some measure of peace and solace in the days and weeks to come.

  2. Michael Zbinden / December 10, 2021 at 4:33 pm

    Harold was a great man-rest in peace,prayers sent to family

  3. Louber / December 10, 2021 at 5:52 pm

    Harold was my friend. I enjoyed his company immensely anytime I was around him and his lovely wife, Nancy. His sense of humor made a young man smile after a long day of flying around from one end of Illinois to another. His W flag texts when his beloved Cubs would win always brought a smile to my face. A more loyal friend you will not meet. God blessed for having known him. Harold is in heaven playing catch with Ernie Banks and Ron Santo talking about the greatest Governor he helped get elected.

  4. Sandra Kohlbrecher / December 10, 2021 at 8:14 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. Bill and I always enjoyed his company and talking to him. You have my deepest sympathy.

  5. Sherrill and John Sabo / December 11, 2021 at 1:55 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss and prayers go out to your family during this sad time.

  6. Veronica Siegle / December 11, 2021 at 3:31 pm

    To Cheryl and family, my deepest sympathy. Prayers for all of you.

  7. Mary beth Broughton / December 11, 2021 at 4:52 pm

    Harold wa a wonderful man great friend. Great sense of humor. I will miss him and his friendship. Thoughts prayers love hugs and my deepest sympathy goes out to the family

  8. Andrea Raila / December 12, 2021 at 6:34 pm

    Our condolences to the entire Byers family. Harold was a wonderful public servant. I remember meeting him many years ago with former Gov Pat Quinn in southern Illinois. We worked together on some civic issues/campaigns. He gave a wonderful down-to-earth speech at a fundraiser. He was really admired by many Illinois citizens, and elected officials He had the heart of a servant and was a great husband, dad, brother, and grandfather. He will be missed by many.

  9. Jim & Janice Hummel / December 13, 2021 at 10:36 am

    Our sympathy to you, Nancy, and your entire family. Even though we didn’t see each other often in recent years, I still felt that Harold was one of my best friends. I know the lord is waiting to take him into heaven but only after ” Dimaggio bats”.

  10. Tom Quinn / December 13, 2021 at 10:37 am

    Nancy, Cheryl and the rest of the Byers family, as you all well know and as we learned over many decades, Harold was one of a kind — fearless, intrepid, kind, witty, and generous. There was never an occasion when we didn’t come away with a smile and a chuckle after a conversation with Harold. He was also a beacon to anyone about to take on the powers that be, whether in the legislature or in his community. Harold’s legacy will live on for many years to come, and we are all better for having known him.

    Tom Quinn and Eileen Furey

  11. Lisa Hernandez / December 13, 2021 at 11:16 am

    My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Byers family on the passing of Representative Byers. I never had the pleasure of working with him in the House, but did get to meet him and he taught this city kid a different perspective on Illinois and the people we represented. His district was well served by Harold, and we all mourn his loss today.

  12. Darla Schau and Nettie / December 16, 2021 at 8:02 pm

    I will miss our political talks and all out laughs. You have always been good to Nettie and I, we always looked forward to attending the bean fest and laughing and dancing and the music( especially Nettie’s favorite), good times and great memories. You always accepted us into your home and life, we are so proud to have called you a friend who cares about people and always there to lend advice and a helping hand. We send you our love always and to your beautiful wife, Nancy whom I hope to see soon.

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