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John Byerly Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
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May 2, 2010
Dear Evelyn & family,
What fond memories I have through the years of Pastor whom I first met as a student at William & Mary, then again as Pastor of First English and later as fellow member of Christ Lutheran~ always caring, guiding and teaching! What great rejoicing in Heaven! My deepest sympathy to you, your children and family.
Lynne Massey Coates (Glen Allen,VA)
Larry Matthews
May 1, 2010
Dear Evelyn and family:
It was June 22, 1969, that John preached my ordination sermon when Dave Turner and I were ordained at Resurrection in Arlington. John has always had a special place in my memory and my ministry and most especially in those 16 years we served in the Virginia Synod. What a great man with such friendship and care for so many. Even though I am now retired in Wisconsin, John's touch on my life will always be felt. May peace be with you and I know the Lord celebrates John's life even as do Nancy and I.
Our sympathy to you.
Larry W. Matthews, ELCA retired pastor,Appleton, WI ([email protected])
Walter & Marcia Stumpf
May 1, 2010
Jim:
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your dad.
Janet Tyler-Promin
April 30, 2010
I was so saddened to hear of Pastor Byerly's passing. I can still see the glint in his eye as he met with us prior to our marriage and the smile on his face the evening he married us in the little chapel at First English, almost 30 years ago. And then later as he confirmed our children. His memory will stay with us forever. He is forever a part of our family.
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Mary Ellen Smith
April 30, 2010
Dear Mrs. Byerly, Joyce, Johnny and Jimmy, I am SO sorry to hear about the sudden passing of your husband and father. He was such a strength, and such a leader to the family and to others. I know you'll miss him greatly. I'll always picture him with his beautiful rose garden, and I'll remember him every time I see his wooden desk with the Roanoke sticker on it! God promises to be a husband to the widows, and a father to the fatherless - may you find comfort knowing you have a Heavenly Father who is still with you, and an earthly husband/father whom you will see again in heaven. Love, Mary Ellen Smith
April 30, 2010
Evelyn, John, Joyce and Jim,
What a wonderful privilege it was to know Pastor Byerly. I will never forget how welcoming and helpful he was to us as newcomers in Richmond. He was a special pastor and person. Our sympathy to all of you.
Sharon Freude
April 30, 2010
Evelyn and family: It was with deep regret that we learned of John's death. We remember with great fondness all of the experiences we shared in the Synod work, especially the visit the other week at Roanoke College. Our prayers for your comfort and support during this time.
Betty and Jim Wilson
Ann Priddy
April 30, 2010
He touched my life and by example taught me how to live the life of a Christian. Ann Priddy
April 30, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of Pastor Byerly's death. Although I had left First English by the time he came there, he(along with Warner Crumb) baptized my daughter and he officiated at the funeral of my father, Richard Hogan. Despite his not being my official pastor, he was with me at some important times in my life. Of course, he held a special place in the heart of my mother,Virginia, and she , too, was deeply saddened by the news of his death. We will always remember his many kindnesses to our family. May God's peace be with you all in the days ahead.
Pam Baynard
Pastor Rick Krasneck
April 29, 2010
Dear Evelyn, I am so sorry to hear about Pastor John. He was always a help to me and a friend when discerning my call. And also a help and friend to my home congregation LCOS. I remember foundly you and John as members at Christ when I did my teaching parish back in the day. I hope you don't mind if I drop in at the graveside on Sunday. I live in Rockingham County and will not have the opportunity to be at the visitation or funeral service. Please accept my sincere condolenences.
Pastor Rick Krasneck
St. James Lutheran
Mt. Jackson, VA
April 29, 2010
Thanks be to God for the life and faith of St. John. Eveyn, John, Jim and Joyce through your tears may you celebrate the joys of the promise of the Resurrection. Janyce and Rich Olson
April 29, 2010
We are profoundly saddened to hear of the death of The Rev. Dr. John Byerly. I will always remember Pastor Byerly as a wonderful pastor and friend, although my personal friendship was somewhat limited to the '70s and '80s when I was organist and choral director at Roanoke College, working closely with Chaplain Pat Keister. Pastor Byerly made numerous visits to R.C. as guest speaker and was active at the Summer Assembly at Massenetta Springs, VA. On at least one occasion Chaplain Keister and I, together with the R.C. Choir, were featured at his church in Richmond (I believe it was First English). In addition to my memory of him as a fine pastor and preacher, I will remember his wonderful gregarious nature and all the home runs he hit during softball games at Massenetta. Our sincere condolences to all his family and many friends, from Donald G. Moe, with Gloria Lee Moe, R.C. class of 1978 (Rock Hill, SC)
Marcella sharp
April 29, 2010
We were saddened to hear of your loss. We met Pastor Byerly when we were members of St. Luke Lutheran and Pastor Bill asked him to preach on numerous occasions. When Pastor Bill retired Pastor Byerly was our interim preacher. The whole congregation loved him and wished we could keep him always. My husband and I have frequently quoted him "Roses are just like children, you need to give them a little attention every day. " We have found this to be true of children as well as roses.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you and your family and give you peace.
BJ and Marcella Sharp
Sara Thacker
April 29, 2010
Evelyn, I am so sorry to hear about John's death. I thank God for the way He intertwined John and you into my life. I have been blessed because of that. My sympathy goes to you and the family.
Jane Lanham
April 29, 2010
What a great and faithful servant, pastor, friend, father, etc., etc. Joyce and Jim - I am so saddened to hear this and know you are hurting and sad. We were so honored to have your Dad marry us - like having my dad there in abstentia! Thinking of all of you and see you Saturday! much love, Jane, Jeff and Grace Lanham
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