Roy Donald Byerly, 89, of Indianapolis, passed away on Nov. 11, 2012. Roy Donald Byerly, born Aug. 7, 1923, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Roy Archie and Gladys (Oliver) Byerly. Two years later the family moved to Indianapolis. His early years were spent in the Fishers area where he went to school.
As a teenage boy Don began working as a farm hand in the area. In 1948 he started driving for Greyhound Bus Lines, which he did for 35 years until retiring in 1983. He then drove the next nine years for Executive Coach driving charter buses. The highlight of his driving career was driving former President George H. W. Bush to the Kentucky Derby.
In 1953, he married Vicki Foust of Scott, Ohio. To this marriage were born his two daughters, who were the joy of his life, Cyndy (Rod) Sanford and Tami (Eric Fuller) Zumwalt who survive.
In 1960, he married Dorothy VanBlaricum, who preceded him in death. January 1, 1989, he married Martha Nichols of Kokomo who survives.
Surviving stepchildren are, Jan Nichols, Gary (Beth) Nichols and Bill (Janelle) Nichols.
Surviving grandchildren are Reggie (Jenny) Johnson, Joe (Lauren) Sanford, Erica McKibben, Katie (Charlie) Ketchen, and Zach (Courtney) Zumwalt. Surviving stepgrandchildren are Heidi (Ryan) Sanchez, Marie (Kerem) Korunmus, Katie (James) Vagle, Angela Nichols, Amy Nichols, Michael (Joy) Nichols and Chas Puntillo.
Surviving great-grandchildren are Owen and Olivia Johnson, Noah Sanford, Peyton and Maisie McKibben, Elsie Ketchen and Lexi and Tempe Zumwalt. Surviving great-stepgrandchildren are Elena Vagle, Paloma Sanchez, Sabiha and Devrim Korunmus, and Lucas Nichols.
Other survivors are brothers Elsworth Byerly and George (Lucille) Byerly. Preceding him in death were his parents, a sister Mary (Elwood) Saugstad, and three brothers Robert, John and Richard and one Great Grandchild, Leslie Anne Zumwalt.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His family was the center of his life.
He took pride in doing his best whether it was farming, bus driving or serving in the U.S. Army which he did twice. One of his tours of duty in the Army was served in Korea.
He was a member of First Church of the Nazarene where he especially enjoyed his Sunday School Class.
Friends may call from 4-7p.m. on Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, at Flanner and Buchanan – Washington Park East, 10722 E. Washington St., Indianapolis. Friends may call from 10-11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 16, 2012. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, at Flanner and Buchanan. Interment will follow in Washington Park East Cemetery. Burial is for Family only.
Friends may sign Don’s online guest registry at www.flannerbuchanan.com.
Donations in Don's memory may be made to the American Heart Association 6100 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250, or donors favorite charity.
