Richard F. Byers

Richard F. Byers passed away Tuesday, February 27, 2018 after a brief illness at the age of 83.  A graduate of Paw Paw High School and U.S. Army veteran, Richard spent most of his life in Van Buren County and was the proprietor of his own business in Lawton for nearly 40 years where, in addition to metal fabrication, he was well known for designing and building custom products including snowmobile trailers, championship hydroplane boats, campers, truck caps, cherry tanks, agriculture and laboratory equipment, and Byers Barns, the highest quality, wooden storage shed available on the market.  Richard was a true entrepreneur and a self-made business man. He held a strong work ethic and enjoyed running his business. He cared about his employees and tried to do a good job for his customers.

Richard was a pilot and mechanical ace who could make any engine capable of running run. He was an animal lover, rescuing many raccoons over the years and saw to it that they were returned to the wildlife. Richard also enjoyed long drives in the country, learning about other people's work and conversing with his numerous friends and acquaintances. Richard was a founding member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. He was an avid NASCAR and Indy Car racing fan. Most of all, he was proud of his children and their achievements.  Richard is survived by his children, Margie (Ted Klems) Shupe- Klems, Andrew Byers, and Julie (Dean) Weaver, his sister, Nancy (Alan) McMachen, and grandchildren, Jaxson, Declan, and Brooke. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Ross and Edna (Miller) Byers. The family will receive friends on Monday, March 5, 2018 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, where a celebration of Richard’s life will commence at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Ron Packer officiating. Burial will Military Honors will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan.