John Byler

John E. Byler
Lancaster
John E. Byler, 69, died unexpectedly on Sunday, November 22, 2015, at the Lancaster General Hospital. Born and raised in Smyrna, Del., he was the son of the late Ervin Byler and Emma Stoltzfus Byler of Lancaster.
He was married forty years to the late Judy A. Byler who died November 22, 2011.
John is survived by his two children: son, Jonathan Leffler Byler, of Lititz, married to Kathryn; grandchildren, Victoria and Justin Byler; and daughter, Julie Ann, married to Joshua White of Peach Bottom; fiancée, Heather Rineer of Lancaster. Also surviving are his brothers: Roman, Rudy and David Byler; his sisters, Rachel Byler and Barbara Martin; and many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Ervin, Jr. and Simon Byler; two sisters: Lydia Byler and Martha Bell.
John was a dedicated member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and held a strong faith throughout his life. He was a lifelong outdoorsman and big game hunter. He traveled the world which included trips to Alaska, Africa, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Not only did he enjoy hunting, but breeding and raising animals as well. His favorite was hunting whitetail deer with his friends and family on the Eastern Shore in Maryland.
He was a successful business man, starting in construction, becoming a key owner in Carlos R. Leffler, Inc. and ABE Oil and later worked hand-in-hand with his son in many business and real estate ventures.
John was dedicated to loving and supporting his family. He spent countless summers together with his family in Stone Harbor, N.J. He loved taking his family on travels around the world. He was an avid golfer, a huge Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Cardinals fan, as well as a farm boy at heart. One of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren play sports. John was a dedicated member of his community. He was an extremely generous man who set an example for others to follow. His gifts were too many to mention. His most recent philanthropic interests were The American Heart Association of Lancaster, Cancer Society of Lancaster, Lebanon Hospital and many other local charitable organizations.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to John's Funeral Service at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. Michael A. Rogers officiating. A Memorial Viewing will be held at The Groffs Family Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 528 W. Orange St. (at the corner of Orange & Pine streets), Lancaster, on Friday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. John will be laid to rest at Richland Cemetery, 215 S. Race St., Richland, PA, Lebanon County.
Memorials may be made in honor of John's memory to any of the previously mentioned charitable organizations.
Online condolences may be posted on our Web site:
thegroffs.com