William Wesley Byerly

October 16, 2024

We had to say goodbye to a precious man. William (Bill) Wesley Byerly, age 91, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024, in the Memory Care Unit at the Pine Village Retirement Center in Moundridge. 

Bill was born on April 24, 1933, in Tribune to William and Letha (Fleming) Byerly. On June 17, 1956, he married Kathleen (Hofmeister) Byerly in Towner, Colorado. Bill and Kathy had been married 67 years before her death in April. 

Bill is survived by daughters - Kimbra (Clinton) Sides of McPherson; Tamara (Kevin) Winn of Wichita,; and Cindra (John Mace) Lloyd-Mace of McPherson. Nine grandchildren - Danielle (Grant) Claassen of McPherson; Levi (Kayla) Sides of McPherson; Katelyn (Cole) Smith of Prairie Village; Garrett Winn of Eugene, Oregon; Eric (Laura) Lloyd of Shawnee; Jackson Lloyd of McPherson; Nathan (Fiance Stacey Pham) Lloyd of McPherson; John Mace, Jr. of McPherson; and Michael Mace of Lindsborg. Ten great-grandchildren - Ian, Ana and Caleb Claassen; Kyson, Vivica, Everly, Devlyn, and Genevieve Sides; Kelly Hannah and Dakota Purcell. A sister-in-law, Russella Cathcart of Hooker, Oklahoma, and numerous other relatives. 

In addition to his wife, Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother Floyd Byerly, and sisters Fern Bales, Betty White, and twin sister Wilma Ingram. 

Bill was a lifelong member of the Tribune community and took over the family farm after his dad’s death. He was active in helping build the elementary school addition. In addition to his farming, Bill worked for over 30 years for the Sunflower Telephone Company until his retirement.

In retirement, Bill continued to farm and watch his family grow with grandkids and great-grandkids. He and Kathy enjoyed travel opportunities throughout the United States and several foreign countries. Dancing, taking walks, and playing card games were favorite activities for Bill.

In later years, one would most likely catch him out looking for something to fix on the farm, driving around the county checking on his land, visiting his tenants, or going to town to visit people as well as farming. It is hard to fully retire from the farm when that has been your life. 

Bill was compassionate, quiet, and awesome at providing for his family. He never asked for much and was always willing to give a hand to others. We are so proud for what he did for ALL his family which was nothing less than exceptional. 

At the time of his passing, there were times it was very difficult for Bill to remember things or find the right words to say but one would soon know that the two greatest joys in his life were his family and the farm. Our hearts are broken but praise God that he is no longer in pain and mental distress. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. (Mountain Time), on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the United Methodist Church in Tribune with Pastor Nick Talbot presiding. Services will be live-streamed at www.priceandsons.com or https://evt.live/byerlyservice. 

Public visitation was held on Monday, October 14, 2024, from 4:00 until 8:00 at the Price & Sons Funeral Home, 322 2nd St., Tribune,. Interment will be at the Greeley County Cemetery in Tribune. 

Memorials may be written to “Greeley County Long Term Care in care” of Price & Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 161, Leoti, Kansas, 67861.