Larry D. Byers (77) of Effingham 

Published on April 24, 2025 6:15 am
Last Updated on April 24, 2025 2:07 pm

image_printPrint
Larry D. Byers, 77, passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at his home in Effingham.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2025 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday at the church. Memorial donations may be given to St. Anthony Grade School or charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are in the care of Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham.
Larry was born in Effingham, IL, on October 7, 1947, son of Donald (Bernard) Byers and Virgie (Chapman) Byers. Larry graduated from Effingham High School, class of 1965. Larry served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968 during the Vietnam War. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and served in an army hospital in Fort Riley, KS. He married his wife, Mary Lynn Unkraut on November 20, 1971, at St. Anthony Church. They were married for 53 years. They were blessed with three children, Cory, Chelsey, and Cody Byers.

Larry spent 34 years at World Color Press. He worked there from the day the plant opened until it closed. In retirement, he found an appreciation for Western novels and delighted in driving, especially classic cars. He shared his love of nature and joy for playing cards. He was a sports enthusiast and a lifelong Cardinal fan.

Larry was the kindest, gentlest, and most giving soul—a man who touched the lives of everyone lucky enough to know him. He radiated love and patience and had a quick wit that brought laughter to many. Whether it was his vast talents or his knack for always being there when someone needed him, Larry was truly one of a kind.

Larry is survived by his wife Mary Lynn, his three children, Cory, Chelsey (David), and Cody; grandchildren Phoebe and Adina Gerstenecker; brother Don (Sandy) Byers; sisters-in-law, Sue (Brian) Hartke, Debra (Mark) Sherrick, Carlene (Tony) Weber, Barbara (Scott) Gidcomb, Kay (Ted) Garcia and Jean (Fritz) Drasgow, 17 nieces and nephews, and 20 great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Virgie Byers, father-in-law Leonard Unkraut, and his sister, Virginia Logue.