Obituaries

J. Robert (Bob) Byler, 88

March 31, 2018

J. Robert (Bob) Byler, of Lancaster, PA, passed away at age 88 on March 31, 2018. Born in Gap, PA, he was the son of the late J. Jesse and Elsie Byler, and was the loving husband of Ruth S. (Lapp) Byler for 67 years.

Bob served in the restaurant industry as general manager at Plain & Fancy Farm where he worked for 44 years. Later in life, he loved working part-time at the Manheim Auto Auction and enjoyed the camaraderie of his friends there. As a volunteer, he served more than 1500 hours on Contact’s Helpline.
Bob was a friend to everyone and had a passion for reading. Through a national scripture program, he read through the Bible annually for 40 consecutive years. For many years, he indexed the books he read and kept a synopsis of each one. He was a member of Neffsville Mennonite Church for 60 years where he had served as an elder, Sunday School teacher and Boys Club leader.

In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his daughter, Carol Denlinger and her husband Eugene; son, Don Byler and his wife Cathy; son, Ron Byler and his wife Mim Shirk; seven grandchildren, Jesse Shirk-Byler, Ryan Byler (Seely), Kristi Steech (Danny), Brianna Byler, Lindsey Strauss (Dustin), Lauren Lefever (Mark) and Lia Denlinger; and six great grandchildren, Adley Byler, Ellyson Steech, Brock Steech, Chase Strauss, Brooke Strauss and Olivia Lefever. He was preceded in death by a grandson Jared Denlinger and a sister, Janet Kauffman.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 6, 2018, at Neffsville Mennonite Church, 2371 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA, 17601, where the family will receive guests from 12 Noon to the time of services. Burial will follow at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to Neffsville Mennonite Church at the above address.

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page

Condolences to the Family

April 06, 2018

Carol and family,
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May the love of family and friends help you through, and the many memories you have of your Dad/Grandfather keep him alive in your hearts.
Carl and Patti Esh

April 06, 2018

Due to sinus cold Lydia and I will miss the service today. Bob was a very respected 1947 LMS classmate. Played smart basketball. Bob and Ruth attended our 70th class reunion last year.

April 06, 2018

Dear Ron,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers this day as you remember the life of your dad. I wish I could attend, but Ron and I are in Prague where he is on sabbatical at the Institute of Mathematics. We lost both of Ron’s parents in 2017, so we have some sense of your journey today and in the coming months. I retired at the end of March and we will be in Europe (France, Spain and Italy) until May 18th.
Blessings and peace be with you and your family today,
Diane and Ron Umble

April 05, 2018

The Byler Family,
I would like to give my condolences to all for your loss. Bob was one of the greatest gentleman I have ever met. We met about 12 years ago when we both started at Manheim Auto the same week.
We became good friends, finding we had many things in common. Both grew up on farms , Bob in Lancaster Area & me in Ohio Amish country. We worked together in Manheim on same Van for quite a few years & had many interesting conversations and laughs.
We were lucky enough to have lunch about 9 months ago & talked on the phone a few times.
We will miss Bob and his wit.
Sincerely,
Dave Breniser

April 04, 2018

Don & Cathy, I extend to you my sincerest sympathys at the passing of your father. I hope that soon, the good memories of your father will replace your current sorrow. Dale Weaver (CV class of ’73)

April 04, 2018

Sending my condolences to the family of a great friend.Working with Bob at P&F for years and being a part of the P&F couples that went to the mts/shore and getting together will always be a fond part of my memories with Bob and Ruth.God bless you all as you work thru the grief and loss of a special man.Mary Lois (Stoltzfus) Beard

April 04, 2018

My friend. So sorry to hear of your passing. Best coach greeter p and f ever had. Taught me all the ways,to be the best I could be. Rest in piece Bob gonna,miss your gentle ways Reggie boyer

Visitation: Friday, April 06, 2018; 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM; Neffsville Mennonite Church; 2371 Lititz Pike; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Friday, April 06, 2018; 2:00 PM; Neffsville Mennonite Church; 2371 Lititz Pike; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >