Lester A. Byler, age 87, passed away peacefully at his home in Nappanee, just before noon on May 29, 2019.

He was one of 10 children and was born Dec. 3, 1931, to Andrew F. and Lydia (Troyer) Byler in Middlefield, Ohio.

He was first married to Elizabeth Ann (Lizzy Ann) Hochstetler June 25, 1953, in West Farmington, Ohio. This marriage was blessed with two sons Philip and Larry and one daughter Rhoda.

He married Ruby June Schmucker on May 5, 1972, in Nappanee, This marriage was blessed with two daughters Ruth and Naomi.

He served at the Cleveland Hospital as a conscientious objector during the Korean War in the early 1950’s. He lived in Ohio until after his second marriage, at which point he moved to Nappanee where he has been since. He will be remembered for his steadfast commitment to his Lord and Savior as well as his family. He loved spending winters in Sarasota, Fla., where he was also able to enjoy bird watching. His sense of humor and ability to laugh at himself even as his dementia progressed will continue to bring smiles to his family.

He is survived by his current wife of 47 years, Ruby; children Phil (Cathy) Byler, Fla. Larry (Violet) Byler, Kansas, Rhoda (Adam) Rees, Minnesota, Ruth (Nathanael) Yoder, Greece, Naomi Byler, Indiana; 16 grandchildren and two great-grandsons; brother Andy (Sue) Byler; sisters Clara (Joe) Miller, Ohio, Kathryn (William) Byler, Ohio, and Lydia Ann (Joe) Petersheim, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lizzy Ann; parents, Andrew and Lydia Byler; brothers, Albin (Martha) Byler, Fla, Freeman (Sarah) Byler, Ohio; sisters, Anna (Joe) Mullet, Ohio, Irene (Andy) Yoder, Ohio, Mary Ellen (Jonas) Bontrager, Ohio.

He was a member of Maple Lawn Amish Mennonite Church. Visitation will be Saturday, June 1,1-4 and 5-7 p.m. at Maple Lawn Church. Funeral and burial services will be held at the Maple Lawn Church Sunday, June 2 at 2 p.m. Pastors, Paul Yoder, Gary Burkholder and Clyde Byler (Lester’s nephew) will officiate.

The family would like to thank friends, family, and hospice for their support and prayers.

Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.