Don Byerlee (Mansfield)'s Obituary
Don O. Byerlee, of Mansfield, MO, passed away on Thursday, January 17, 2019 in Springfield, MO. Don will be greatly missed by his daughter, Denise Lane of Mansfield, MO, grandsons, Dustin McCleary and wife Rhonda of Marshfield, MO and Cody McCleary, wife Jessica, and great-grandson, Lukas of Fordland, MO.
He was born April 25, 1927 at Rockbridge, MO, the oldest of eight children, to parents Austus Byerlee and Florence (Hale) Byerlee. He graduated from high school in Gainesville, MO and was a veteran of World War II, serving his country in Japan. Don married the love of his life, Bernice Beasley, on July 14, 1945 and together they shared over 72 years before Bernice passed in January of 2018. Don was very proud of his wife and daughters and especially overjoyed when his grandsons were born.
Don was a humble man, growing up in hard times; he knew the value of hard work. His working career included the harvest fields of California; Ford Manufacturing in Detroit, MI; and farming and retail businesses in both Mtn. Grove and Mansfield MO.
He was a passionate fisherman, spending his winters tying crappie jigs and waiting anxiously every spring for the white bass to run. He and Bernice spent several weeks every spring fishing at Truman Lake, where they made many friends. Don also spent many hours over his lifetime at swap meets where he collected a variety of things he considered treasure. He was well known for his ability to fix most anything mechanical and he reconstructed several vintage vehicles from parts picked up here and there. He made many friends who shared his interest and was most happy spinning a story or two while he helped them “fix” things.
In addition to his daughter and grandchildren, Don is survived by two sisters, Shirley Bell and husband Marvin of Mtn. Grove, MO and Bonnie Lakey of Ava, MO; two brothers-in-law, James Beasley and wife Opal of Gainesville, MO and Faye Oxley of Hayes, KS. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
His parents, wife Bernice, daughter Belinda Zeigenbein, three brothers, Lonnie, Earl, and Troy, and two sisters, Daisy and Linda preceded Don in death.
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