William Duncan "Bill" Byars, Jr.'s Obituary
William Duncan “Bill” Byars, Jr. 94, longtime prominent businessman and husband of 63 years to the late Elouise Marie Byars, died in Oklahoma City on Monday, March 28, 2011. He was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois on September 10, 1916 to William Duncan and Mildred Bella (Scott) Byars Sr. After graduating from college, Bill pursued the business world. Along with his wife he owned Bill Byars Trailer Company, a Western Auto Store, Bill Byars Boat Lot, Bill Byars Furniture Store and they were the first Maytag Dealership in the state of Oklahoma. He at one time had been attached to the U.S. Army as an advisor. Bill also enjoyed being a farmer and rancher in Okmulgee County. His memberships included the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce, Elks Lodge, First Christian Church, and he was named Chairman of the Democratic Party of Oklahoma in 1956. His parents, wife, Elouise, a grandson Brent Rosdahl, brothers and sisters preceded him in death.
Survivors include his daughter Karen Byars and Richard Anderson of Oklahoma City, a son William Robert and wife Caron of Okmulgee, one sister Irene White of Pittsfield, Illinois, son in law Richard Rosdahl of Tulsa, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Funeral services celebrating his life will be on Friday, April 1, 2011 at 2 pm at the First Christian Church in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Rev. Charles Green will officiate. Burial will follow in the Okmulgee Cemetery. The family suggests memorials in his name be made to Okmulgee Memorial Hospital Foundation, 1401 Morris Dr., Okmulgee, Oklahoma 74447. Visitation will be on Thursday, 1-6 pm at the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home in Okmulgee, OK. Condolences may be made at mcclendon-winters.com.
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