Galyn Burdel Cyphers

Galyn Burdel Cyphers passed away on January 4, 2026 in Cleburne, Texas. He was born on May 22, 1932 to Claude R Cyphers and Valerie Cyphers (Caro) in St. Helena, California. Both parents were teachers in the Seventh-day Adventist school system.

Galyn earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from La Sierra College in 1955 and worked as a Ceramic Tile Contractor in La Sierra, Riverside, and Yucca Valley California for 40 years from 1955 to 1994, working first for Willis Reisinger and then building his own business.

He married Frances Claudine Lickey in August 1952. Galyn and Frances raised four boys: Verlin, born December 4, 1953; Stephen, born October 3, 1956; Russell, born November 8, 1959; and Darrell, born April 26, 1961. Galyn and Frances supported the family, including financing a Seventh-day Adventist education for all four through La Sierra Academy and Pacific Union College. They assisted Stephen, Russell, and Darrell through graduate school in medicine, dentistry, and religion.

Galyn grew up with almost nothing in material wealth but in an environment rich in love, integrity, hard work, and deep commitment to spiritual principles. Building on this he developed into a hard-working, dedicated, and honest adult, providing a shining example to his children. Consistent with this, Galyn and Frances were very active in the Norco SDA church during the 1960's, with Galyn as choir director and Frances at the piano and organ.

Family life was always a priority for the committed couple, with happy memories of water skiing at Bass Lake or Lake Redinger, with Galyn's parents' home in Oakhurst, California as a base. Frequent outings included camping in the Southern California mountains or visiting Yosemite, a favorite destination for the entire family and part of a life-long love of nature that persists in the family today. Sabbath afternoons were also highlights, with drives to Lake Mathews and frisbee on the lawn there, drives to the beach or the mountains, or just relaxing at home, but always ending with sundown worship. In short, Galyn built a firm foundation on which to stand.

In his work Galyn was admired for impeccable planning and execution of every project. He could fix anything, build anything, improve anything. His sons watched and learned from him in fascination.

Galyn was known as intense and driven, yet compassionate and tender with a deep sensitivity, evident to all who saw him with tears in his eyes at church, in the light of a sunset, or at a wedding or funeral. His wife would tell you he was a hopeless romantic. He was versatile, adaptable, and creative. An engineer with a music degree. Rare and precious.

After 50 years of marriage, Frances passed away in 2003. Galyn was hopelessly despondent until he was introduced by Frances' younger brother, Robert, to a wonderful woman named Joyce. With a similar background and interests, and three sons of her own, Joyce proved to be a nearly perfect match. They married and moved to Joyce's hometown in Keene, Texas. For over twenty years the two have enjoyed a wonderful marriage, full of travel, local friendships, and spiritual fulfillment. Joyce rescued Galyn, and she believes he rescued her. The family is eternally grateful.

Galyn left an unforgettable legacy that is impossible to duplicate and difficult to emulate. He will be missed, but he left us secure in his eternal destiny and the promise of Heaven. He rests in peace until we meet him there.

Galyn was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances Cyphers, in 2003, and his oldest son, Verlin, in 2021. Surviving family members include his wife, Joyce Cyphers; sons Stephen, Russell, and Darrell; grandchildren Jessica Cyphers, Derek Cyphers, and Carlen Cyphers; sister Gwendolyn Langham.

A Memorial Service will be held on January 31 at 3:00 PM at the Keene Chapel, 100 W. Hillcrest Street, Keene, Texas 76059