Douglas Duwayne Byars

Douglas duWayne Byars left this earth to be with God on September 24, 2005 at the age of 82. He was born August 31, 1923 in Austin, Texas to Alta and Floyd Byars, both of whom preceded him in death, as well as a much loved step-mother Marian Davis Byars. Doug grew up in California and graduated from Santa Ana High School. He enlisted in the Army in 1941 but was ineligible because of a punctured eardrum from scarlet fever and diphtheria, which also caused his baby sister's death. He worked as a draftsman for Douglas Aircraft until he was reunited with his father and attended the University of Texas where he was a member of SigmaNu and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. He met his future wife there as well. Douglas and Angela Alfred were married in 1946 and moved to Mattoon, Illinois where he joined his father- in-law, as half-owner of A & B Transfer, an intra-state freight carrier. By 1969 Doug had acquired all the stock and sold the company to Transport Motor Express, where he served three years as a Vice-President and then in 1972 started Service Disposal, Inc. He planned to retire but with three children in college at the same time he realized that was not realistic. His second company was sold in 1975. Doug and Angela moved to San Antonio in 1976 where he was an insurance buyer for Sigmor Corporation, and President of its subsidiary, Risk Management Company. He was Insurance Manager and President of Tetco's Claims Department until it was sold to Diamond Shamrock. While in Mattoon, he was President of Central Motor Freight Association, a Board member for Illinois Intra-State Rate & Tariff Bureau, a member of Negotiating Policy Committee for small carriers and had many dealings with Jimmy Hoffa. Doug also devoted time on Management's side for settling grievances claims against the employer. He was President of Motor Carriers Conference of Illinois Inc. and represented it in New York and Washington D.C. Richard Nixon appointed him to the National Defense Executive Reserve for the Illinois Commerce Commission. He did his civic duties as well in Mattoon, where he was elected to the Board of Supervisors of Coles County, served as President of the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce, President of Mattoon Golf and Country Club as well as President of Central National Bank and President of Okaw Savings & Loan Association. He is survived by his loyal wife of 59 years and four children: Marsha Plunk and husband David of Mansfield, Illinois; Carol and husband, Bill McHenry of Harborside, Maine; Jamie Byars Hershiser of Dallas, and Brian Byars of Carrizo Springs, TX. There are also six grandchildren: Quinton and Jordan Hershiser and Alex and Lydia Plunk, Billy McHenry of New York City and Mary and husband Drew Ogden; one great-grandson, Will of Miami. Doug is also survived by step-sister Nancy Davis Baumgardner and husband James of Tulsa, Oklahoma and step-brother George Davis and wife, Norma, of North Port, Florida. Above all Doug was a man of integrity and characterÑhis word was his bond and he instilled these same values in his children. He was a kind, thoughtful, and loving husband and father and will be missed by everyone who knew him well. He never failed to ask about the two dogs while he was in the hospital. He waged a courageous battle with many debilitating illnesses over the years. The family will receive friends Tuesday September 27, 2005 at Porter Loring Mortuary North from 7:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. SERVICE WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2005 1:00 P. M. PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL Interment will follow in the Blanco City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jerry Boles, Roy Byars, J.P Greve, Quinton Biles, Joe Johnson and Bruce Billingsley. The family appreciates the compassionate care Doug received from Dr. Wise, Dr. Russell, Dr. Burzlaff, Dr. Kopoor and Dr. Smolens over many years as well as the staff of Northeast Methodist and Chaplain Charles Fannin. Doug made his peace with God, his wife and children and had no regrets. 'For I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith'. 2 Timothy 4:7. In lieu of flowers, those who prefer may give to the American Heart Association or the charity of their choice. Your are invited to sign The guestbook at www.porterloring.com Arrangements with: Porter Loring Mortuary North.