May 31, 1935 - October 27 2023
Raymond J. Byler, 88, of 289 Applehouse Road, Belleville, passed away on October 27, 2023 at Mount Nittany Medical Center.
He was born on May 31, 1935 to the late David J. and Sadie A. (Peachey) Byler. On May 18, 1957, he married his wife, Arlene E. (Peachey) Byler, who survives at home.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Starla R. Fogleman and husband Randy of Belleville, Marjorie L. Halloran and husband Mike of Belleville, Steven R. Byler and wife Juanita of McVeytown, five grandchildren: Alexis Fogleman of Reedsville, Shane Halloran of Lancaster, Austin Byler and wife Paige of Belleville, Derek Byler and wife Mackenzie of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Kristyn Knepp and husband Zach of Belleville, brothers and sisters: Lois Peachey of Belleville, David A. Byler and wife Sadie of Belleville, Leonard Byler and wife Rhoda of Souderton, PA, brother-in-law Roger Richer of Goshen IN, brother-in-law Robert Peachey and wife Joann of Belleville and many special nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings: Ella Mae Byler, Verna Yoder, Martha Zook, Ruth Kauffman, Bertha Peachey, Jesse Byler, Florence Richer, as well as a sister-in-law Marjorie Laughlin.
He attended Belleville schools. He operated a white washing business in earlier years and started/operated Union Mills Soil Service and B&R Grain. After selling Union Mills, he started Penn Canal Company, a wholesale fertilizer business, and then later Penn Canal Farms.
He was a life-long member of Locust Grove Mennonite Church and served as an Elder, a Sunday school teacher, and served on the Finance committee.
He was on the Board of Kish Bank for 32 years, the board of Valley View Haven and Belleville Mennonite School for several terms, the Mennonite Historical Society Board and the Rosedale Mennonite Missions Board.
He had a passion for farming, appreciating the land and valuing the farms as well as the farmers with whom he did business. He enjoyed gardening, planting flowers, and tending to the birds. He thoroughly enjoyed interacting with people and going to hunting camp at Rock Pine Camp, where he was a member. He and his wife enjoyed hosting many family and friends in their home over the years. He adored his grandchildren and spending quality time with his family.
A viewing will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at Locust Grove Mennonite Church, 3358 West Main Street, Belleville. His memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 30, 2023 at the Locust Grove Mennonite Church with Ivan Yoder, Neil Renno and Bob Plank officiating. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. The service will be live-streamed at locustgrovemc.org.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to: Gator Camp, 44930 Farabee Road, Punta Gorda, Florida 33982, or online at www.gatorwildernesscamp.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Henderson Funeral Home, Inc., 3813 West Main Street, Belleville. Online condolences can be made at www.hendersonfuneralhomes.net.