Ronald Lee Byerly
Ronald Lee Byerly of Eaton Rapids, Michigan went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the age of 93.
Ron was born on January 2, 1933, in Adrian, Michigan, the son of Kenneth and Helen (Cavander) Byerly. He was raised on the family pony farm in Stockbridge, Michigan, and graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1951.
While in high school, Ron participated in the Naval Reserves, an experience that inspired his lifelong commitment to service. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he was stationed in California and Utah and trained as a military mechanic.
Ron married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Joanne Wheeler, in 1951. In 1957, he moved to Eaton Rapids where he started and operated Byerly-Wheeler Garage, specializing in trucks and heavy machinery.
During this time, he also began working part-time as a school bus driver for Eaton Rapids Public Schools. He later became Supervisor of Transportation, a position he truly loved and held for many years until his retirement.
Ron dedicated much of his life to serving his community. He served with both the Eaton Rapids Fire Department and the Hamlin Township Fire Department, protecting the Eaton Rapids community from 1964 to 1987 and later serving as Hamlin Township Fire Chief from 1988 until 2003.
A devout member of St. Peter Catholic Church, Ron served as a Knight and volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul Charities. He had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Ron was also a passionate supporter of Eaton Rapids athletics and spent countless hours volunteering and cheering his hometown teams, especially wrestling and football.
Ron was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joanne Byerly; his parents; and his sister, Kathleen Wilson.
He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly (Ed) Kleehammer, Kaye (Todd) Byerly-Cole, Pamela (David) Wigent, and Jody (Rick) Strank; his grandchildren, Eric (Jeanene) Byerly, Heather Byerly (Andy), Russell (Nicole) Lawrence, Beth Lawrence, Ben (Michelle) Lawrence, Briar Wigent, Jacob (Sarah) Strank, and Blake (Lindsey) Strank; 12 great-grandchildren; his brother, Lee (Kathy) Byerly; along with numerous extended family members and friends.
A Funeral Mass was held Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church. The family received friends on Tuesday from 2:to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids, with a rosary service at 7:30 p.m.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Charities in memory of Ron. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.