APRIL 3, 1947 – MAY 9, 2023
The man. The myth. The legend. Duane (Big D) Byers Sr, 76, of Arcanum, Ohio passed from this life and onto his next great adventure on May 9, 2023.
Duane was born on April 3, 1947, in Darke County, Ohio to Roland and Anna Louise (Dunn) Byers. He was the youngest of 3 children. He grew up in the small town of Arcanum, Ohio, where he attended Arcanum-Butler School and was a very active member in the Arcanum FFA throughout his high school years and was FFA President in his senior year.
After High School, Duane farmed with his father and wife, Patricia (Pat), the love of his life, whom he married in 1966. From this marriage 4 wonderful children were produced, Duane Jr, Kathryn, Bryan, and Jason.
He loved his farming and started working at Henny Penny in Eaton, later working at Corning Glass in Greenville and Beechwood Golf Course. He took great pride in his job with ODOT, where he was employed for 11 years. Upon his retirement from ODOT, he worked at Turtle Creek Golf Course for 4 years.
Duane was larger than life, both literally and figuratively. He stayed busy with his life-long love for farming. He was well known for his sense of humor and his many stories of days past. He was a member of Arcanum Lions Club and Faith United Methodist Church. Duane cherished his days coaching the boys in the Arcanum Youth Baseball and Acme teams. He was a proud supporter of the Arcanum Trojans Football Team. He could often be seen wearing orange for his Trojans, the Browns, and his beloved Allis Chalmers Tractors.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia; son, Duane Jr. (Shelly) and his children, Dustin (Amanda) and Bradly (Chasity) and great grandson Grayson; daughter, Kathryn Taylor (Jay) and her children, son, Joshua and daughter, Victoria (Austin); son Bryan (Amy) his son, Dane, daughter, Brynn, and son, Vaughn; son, Jason (Erica) and his son, Braylon. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Duane was preceded in death by his mother, Anna Louise; father, Roland; brother, Gary, and older brother, Roland Jr.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville with Pastor David Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Ft. Jefferson. The family will receive friends on Monday from 3:00 to 7:00 pm and Tuesday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 am at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Association of Darke County. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Byers family.