E. Byars

E. Duane Byars, of Amarillo died Monday, December 12, 2016, at 88 years of age.

Services will be at 2pm on Thurswday, December 22nd at Saint Stephens United Methodist Church, 4600 S. Western in Amarillo.

Duane was born August 22, 1928, to Lloyd and Irmadene (Durrett) Byars in Hall County, Texas. He graduated with a bachelor's degree from McMurray University and went on to serve the U.S. Air Force as a bush pilot in Alaska. From there he embarked on a career that spanned numerous contributions to his community including as a business owner, dry cleaner and, most recently, as the development manager at the Woodlands of Amarillo.

In the summer of 1952, during a providential visit to his parents, Duane met Sandra Aid, a young lady who lived across the street. After a whirlwind two-week courtship, Miss Aid became Mrs. Byars. For the next 65 years, they were devoted to each other and the family they created, including two daughters, one son and their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Duane was well known for his leadership and service to the communities in which he lived. Not only was he a faithful member of the Rotary Club, Amarillo Little Theater, and Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce, but he also provided leadership for all those organizations as a member of their boards of directors. He had a passion for acting and performed leading roles in many productions at the Little Theater and elsewhere.

Even beyond his career and his role in the community, Duane was widely regarded as a man who simply loved people. Duane was an exceptional husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He invested his time and talents in the lives of the people around him, and often in those who may have been overlooked by most people. He was energized by pouring his time, attention, wisdom and values into others.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Sandra Noell (Aid) Byars of Amarillo; his two daughters, Elizabeth Byars-Roehrig of Capitan, NM, and Roxanne Yarbrough of Canyon, Texas; and son, Barton Byars of Ruidoso, NM. His five grandchildren include Anna Gail Robinson, Arron Cargo, Adam Cargo, Summer Doing and Brandon Niesman, along with great grandchildren Heather Doing, Mason Robinson, Chloe Robinson, Bella Cargo, Ellie Niesman and Matthew Niesman. Duane is also survived by two sisters, DeRema Sears, Lloyd Dean Gower.