James L. Byars

Mr. James Larry Byars, age 82, of Bartlesville OK. died July 31, 2024, at The Journey Home in Dewey, OK. Mr. Byars was born to Geneva Byars and James Auldon Byars in Jonesboro, AR., October 27, 1941. He was raised in and went to school in Jonesboro until his parents moved to Detroit, MI. His parents ran a Dobbs House at the airport there until they were given the opportunity along with his Aunt Helen and Uncle Bill Byars to run a Dobbs House at the San Antonio International Airport in Texas. That was in 1956. Mr. Byars attended and graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 1960 where he played on the football team. After High School he attended San Antonio College for a year, and then joined the Navy In 1961. He was sent to San Diego, CA. for basic training soon after. He met the love of his life June McHaney prior to joining the Navy at Alamo Heights Baptist Church. They were engaged when he came home on leave after Basic training. They were married on January 25, 1964, at the same church where they met. Larry and his wife June moved to Alameda, CA. where he served aboard the USS Coral Sea, CVA43, an aircraft carrier. Shortly after they were married the war in Vietnam was escalating and he served 2 tours of duty off the Coast of Vietnam. During this time his wife moved back to San Antonio to be with family. Larry was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam) and Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon. He returned home from his deployment to Vietnam in November 1965, but was involuntarily extended for a period of 4 months and was honorably discharged in February 1966. Larry and his wife, June made their home in San Antonio, TX. Larry was a member of Alamo Heights Baptist Church and Northeast Baptist Church. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1998. He taught Sunday School, served on several committees, and with youth groups including RA’s and Boy Scouts. He worked 40 years for one employer in San Antonio working on office equipment of all kinds starting with typewriters. He was very active with all his grandchildren supporting their athletic sports including football, soccer, basketball, and marching band. Larry is survived by his wife, June Byars of Bartlesville, OK., his 2 sons, Larry Don Byars and his wife Vidialis Pineiro of Seguin, TX. and James Michael Byars and wife Angela of Bartlesville, OK. Grandchildren Trevor Byars, Cassidy Byars, and Braden Byars. Step Grandchildren Abner Rafford of Virginia, Nicole Rafford, and Adam Rafford of Seguin, TX. Step Great-Grandchildren Ivelina, Avery, and Mila. Aunts Shirley Clifton, Jeanette Scheff, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Geneva Clark Byars, his father, James Auldon Byars, and his brother, Gerald Gene Byars.

James L. Byars

October 27, 1941 - July 31, 2024