Jack Blake Byers

Jack Blake Byers passed away peacefully on May 3, 2022 at the age of 89 in Hagerstown, Maryland. A loving husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 67 years, B. Marie Byers, his three children, Duane M. Byers of The Plains, Virginia, Susan M. Sowell of Alexandria, Tennessee, and Stephen M. Byers of Chevy Chase, Maryland, and five grandchildren.

Jack was born on June 16, 1932 to Pauline Miller Byers and Roy Oliver Byers in Hanover, Pennsylvania, where he was raised and attended Eichelberger High School, graduating in 1950. After graduating from high school, Jack moved to Hagerstown where he began his profession as a homebuilder, continually learning efficient productivity and ultimately becoming the President of Home Construction Corporation, from which he retired in 1997. More than 1,700 homes in and around Hagerstown were designed by Jack and built by Home Construction. Jack was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952 and proudly served in the Korean War, attaining the rank of Sergeant.

An active member of his community, Jack was a member of the Hagerstown Lions Club for over 50 years, served as its president and newsletter editor, and was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship by the Lions Club International Foundation on multiple occasions. Jack also served as the President of Alexander House, Inc., Vice President of the Hagerstown Goodwill, President of the local Homebuilders Association, on the Board of local bank Atlantic Federal, and as a member of the Washington County Planning Commission and Hagerstown Planning Commission, among other volunteer positions. Jack also contributed generously to numerous local charities, including Doey's House, where he was receiving oxygen support.

Jack was a longstanding member of St. John's Lutheran Church, where he met and later married his wife Marie two days after his 23rd birthday, on June 18, 1955, and where he served on the Church Council, including as its president. He was a stalwart member of the church's senior choir for more than 63 years, and designed the church's Prince of Peace chapel and exterior cross gardens. He was also an associate member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hanover, Pennsylvania, where he served in various capacities including the role of Sunday school teacher.

Jack was an avid tennis player, and he enjoyed sailing, gardening, music and traveling to numerous domestic and international destinations with his wife Marie and their friends. He was beloved by many, and known for his honesty, generosity, and quick wit - no one loved a good joke more, or laughed louder when hearing or telling one.

A celebration of Jack's life will be held at the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home 1331 Eastern Blvd. North, Hagerstown, MD on Sunday, May 8, 2022, with visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. followed by a service officiated by Rev. Linda Alessandri and Rev. David Kaplan. Following the service, a small gathering for close friends and family will be held at Jack and Marie's home.

In lieu of flowers, Jack's family suggests donating to charitable projects of the Hagerstown Lions Club, Haven Lutheran Church, Doey's House, or any charity of your choice.

Private interment will be held at Rest Haven Cemetery, Hagerstown, MD.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.douglasfiery.com