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Curtis Byars Obituary
Pekin - Curtis Scott Byars, 26, of 1019 Buff St. passed away at 10:48 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, in Pekin.
He was born Nov. 18, 1983, in Peoria to Steven Edward and Lori Ann (Coggins) Byars. Surviving are his mother and stepfather, Lori and Garry Lockwood of Pekin; father and stepmother, Steve and Barbara Byars of Pekin; one sister, Stephanie (Nick Brownfield) Byars of Pekin; two stepsisters, Karen (Dustin) Leon of Edelstein and Nicole Lockwood of Pasadena, Md.; one stepbrother, Calvin Ruggles of Pekin; grandparents, Leslie and Eldora Coggins of Fairbury, Bill and Marilyn Atteberry of Tremont and Marlene Davis of Pekin; and great-grandmother, Ruth Coggins of Pekin.
He was a 2002 graduate of Pekin Community High School and served as the senior class president. While at PCHS, he was a member of the speech team and scholastic bowl and participated in school plays.
He received his bachelor's degree in communications from Bradley University in Peoria and was a member of the Bradley speech team. He later received his master's degree in forensic communication from the University of Alabama.
Curtis was a communications professor at the University of Alabama, last working in December. He also was a speech coach at the university. Previously, he worked at Kentucky Fried Chicken in Bartonville.
He was an avid reader and an Eagle Scout.
A celebration of life service will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Visitation will be from 5 to 6:45 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Curtis Byars Memorial Fund in care of CEFCU.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Curtis Byars
Jason Spencer
February 4, 2010
I just met Curt in his public speaking class last summer. He always had a smile on his face and a good joke to tell. I am the same age as Curt. My birthday is only a week away from his. It's hard to take it in. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Bridget Busby
February 3, 2010
Curt was my Advanced Public Speaking teacher last Summer. Although I only knew him for a short while, he made a huge impact on me -- I will miss him very much. A few things I'll always remember about Curt are his Mad Scientist hair, his quirkiness and great sense of humor, and above all, his kindness. Please know that I am praying for you -- you're entire family...all of Curt's loved ones and friends. I pray that God will comfort you and always remind you of His love and of the wonderful person Curt really was.
Tiffany Donahue
February 3, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Curt was a great friend, and he always knew how to make anyone's day better. He will be missed.
Jacki Lind
February 1, 2010
Steve, Barb and Family
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
The Cooney Family
February 1, 2010
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Jocelyn Prince
January 31, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of this terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Curt's family, friends, and the Bradley Speech Team.
January 31, 2010
Dear Lori, Garry, Stephanie, and Nick. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Through these times may God give you peace and comfort beyond all understanding. Love Mac, Jody, Amy, Austin, and Jaida
John & Angie Burkley
January 31, 2010
Steve & Barb,
We are so very sorry for your loss. May God comfort you both during this difficult time and give you a peace beyond all understanding. We love you both!
January 31, 2010
my heart goes out to you and the days ahead. michael buck limestone township.
Dawn Hurt
January 31, 2010
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Claudia Glover
January 31, 2010
Lori, I'm sorry for your loss. I remember working with your son at KFC years ago. He was a great kid. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
barb tindall
January 31, 2010
What an amazing person the lord took home. Too soon for all of us that knew him. We will forever miss him.
January 31, 2010
I do not know the family but it is sad when any young life is taken. God bless to the family and may God lead you through all your days.
Sean White
January 31, 2010
Steve and Barb...I am so sorry for your loss. You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Annette Thompson
January 31, 2010
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
George Lockwood & Family
January 31, 2010
Lori, Garry & Marlene - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Mandy Sciortino
January 31, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, may you find comfort in your friends, family, and your memories of Curt. He was a good guy.
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