COLUMBUS
Thomas “Tom” R. Byers, 83, of Columbus, passed away at 12:07PM on April 30, 2020 at IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.
He was born on April 22, 1937 in Veedersburg, Indiana to David H. and Helen Byers.
He graduated from Veedersburg High School in 1955 and was the valedictorian of his class. He then went to Indiana University and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in 1959 and his Master’s Degree in Education in 1965. He was a middle grade Art Teacher at Central Junior High School in Columbus for 36 years and retired in 1996.
He married Janet Scheidt in Columbus on June 2, 1963. She survives, along with his son, Tony (Jackie) Byers of Fishers and daughter, Karla (Duane) Risser of Columbus, grandchildren, Kathleen Byers of Fishers, Zachary Risser of Columbus, and Payton Risser of Columbus, sister, Rebecca (Leroy) Lindquist of Avon, and brother, Michael (Janice) Byers of Covington.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Steven Byers, and sisters, Gail Furr and Anita Byers.
Tom was a very active person. He did competitive ice dancing, played clarinet in the Columbus City Band, and volunteered at St. Peter’s Lutheran School. He loved gardening and growing flowers, particularly Irises. He also enjoyed the activities of his grandchildren whom he dearly loved. He was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.
Due to the current public health safety mandate of limited gatherings, a private graveside service will be held for the family at Garland Brook Cemetery with Rev. Mark Teike officiating. In keeping with the family’s wishes, cremation will take place.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Together We Live through St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Byers family at barkesweaverglick.com.
Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
