Leon Byerly

Leon Byerly, 82, of Ossian, passed away Thursday, April 7, 2016 at Ossian Health and Rehabilitation. He was born November 20, 1933 in Wells County to the late Henry Clinton and Theo (Barger) Byerly. He was a graduate of Lancaster High School and then worked as a brick mason and superintendent for Gardner Masonry from 1954 to 1980. He then started and worked as owner and operator for Byerly Masonry until his retirement in 1998. He was a 50 year member of the bricklayer's union, a board member of the Bricklayer's Pension Plan of Indiana for 14 years, a member of the Bricklayers Apprentice Board for 12 years, and a director on the Building Contractors Association for 10 years, serving as president from 1993 to 1994. Leon received the Summit award from the Building Contractors Association in 2005 for career professionalism and contributions to local nonprofit organizations and was a member of the Masonry Contractors for many years. He was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church and a board member of the Wells County Habitat for Humanity for 6 years, devoting much of his time to the actual construction projects. Leon enjoyed Florida in the winter, homemade ice cream, and monthly poker parties. He loved hunting for morel mushrooms, Indiana University Basketball, and Norwell Sports. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Mary Ellen (Bard) Byerly of Ossian; children, Sheila (Rick) Park of Ossian, Sandra (Arthur) Helm of Lakes of Four Season, IN, Kathy (Joe) Woods of Fort Wayne, Steve Byerly of New Haven, and Bob (Susan Childress) Byerly of Valparaiso, IN; sister, Wanda Carper of Auburn; 10 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Dale Byerly, Donald Byerly, Wendell Byerly, Alta Brubaker, Doris Merriman, and Maxine Smith, and a great granddaughter. Funeral will be Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 11 AM at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Funeral Home, 120 West Mill Street, Ossian, IN 46777 with visitation 1 hour prior. Visitation will also be on Monday, April 11, 2016 from 2 to 8 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Preferred memorial may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church or Heart to Heart Hospice.