Submitted by: Dan Rich

Charles R. Byland

April 18, 1925 - April 1, 2008

South Bend Tribune 4/3/2008
NORTH LIBERTY - Charles R. Byland, 82, of North Liberty, passed away at 1:05 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2008, in Miller's Merry Manor Nursing Center, Walkerton, IN, after an extended illness. Mr. Byland was born on April 18, 1925, in Syracuse, IN, and had resided in the North Liberty area since 1987, coming from Indianapolis, IN.

On December 10, 1963, in South Bend, he married the former Jean L. Hough, who survives. Also surviving are three brothers, James Byland of Washington, Fred Byland of Syracuse and Louie Byland of Sebring, Florida. He was preceded in death by a stepbrother, Marion Kelly. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Mr. Byland retired in 1975 from the U.S. Air Force, having served in three wars, World War II, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam. He loved his country and was very proud to be a veteran. His total military time served was 27 years. Charles loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting, as well as traveling with his loving wife. He was a member of the DAV in Elkhart, IN, and American Legion Post 365 in North Liberty. Charles was a wonderful, loving husband and thought the world of his nieces and nephews. He will never be forgotten and will be sadly missed by his loving wife and all who had the opportunity to meet him during his life journey. The family requests that all memorial contributions be made to the New Military Honor Park & Museum located at the Michiana Regional Airport, PO Box 3356, South Bend, IN 46619. Charles thought the Military Honor Park & Museum was the greatest tribute to veterans. He mentioned several times that everyone should tour this beautiful facility.

Visitation hours will be from noon to 2:00 p.m. Friday in Hanley & Sons Funeral Home "Walkerton Chapel," located at 1216 Roosevelt Road, Walkerton, IN. American Legion Post 365 will have military honors at the funeral home at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 4. Burial will take place at Syracuse Cemetery in Syracuse, IN. The HANLEY & Sons Funeral Home "Walkerton Chapel" handled arrangements and extends its deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the Byland family.