Douglas Dwight O'Byrne

A faithful servant has joined his Lord and Savior as Douglas Dwight O’Byrne passed peacefully in his sleep on January 19, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas. Born on March 13, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Donald Groom and Anna Maria (Vallis) O’Byrne, Doug was a beloved brother to Richard.

Doug cherished his childhood memories of fishing with his grandpa and learning to love working on cars. His youthful antics, like driving a rebuilt car over Lake Michigan, became legendary stories that he loved to share.

After graduating from Washington High School, Doug was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War, serving stateside as a defense accountant. It was during this time he met and fell in love with fellow soldier Elizabeth Ann Pahls, a medic. Together, they built a lifetime of memories, welcoming their children Jeanne, born at Fitzsimons Army Hospital, and Jason, born 23 months later in Chicago Heights, Illinois.

Doug took immense pride in being a father and grandfather. Sundays were dedicated to church, and family picnics were a cherished tradition. Though their travels were limited to visiting Elizabeth’s family in Salina, Kansas, Doug always made time for his loved ones. He enjoyed playing tennis and frisbee with Jason and making crunchy bacon or peanut butter toast for his grandchildren. His grandchildren fondly remember nights spent at his home, listening to the train, and watching him read his favorite Tom Clancy novels on his Kindle.

Doug's career was diverse and fulfilling. He worked at a local junior college and a steel mill before joining the University of Chicago, where he built circuit boards and worked alongside Nobel Prize-winning physicist Enrico Fermi. Jason recalls riding the train to his father's work and seeing the large hole where the bomb had sat. After moving to Kansas, Doug continued his career as a buyer at Great Plains Industry.

Doug's faith was the cornerstone of his life. He served as a deacon and proudly held the title of Pastor's Security Guard at Glenville Baptist Church for over 30 years. In his free time, he enjoyed spicy Cajun food, guns, handloading his own ammo, and running his side business, 2nd Amendment Arms. He was also an avid reader of spy novels, adventure, and suspense.

Even as his health declined, Doug remained devoted to his wife, caring for her until his own battle with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma became too much. When faced with another round of chemotherapy, he chose to say, "No."

Doug was known for his "Bad Dad Jokes," often responding to "How are you feeling?" with "With my fingers." He will be remembered by an entire army of loved ones and friends as a beacon of hope and faith.

Survived by his wife, Elizabeth; brother, Richard of Indiana; children, Jeanne (Michael) McManaway of Chicago and Jason (Amy) O’Byrne of Wichita; grandchildren, Brayden O’Byrne, Keeleigh Bolan, Ethan McManaway, Chloe O’Byrne, Suttyn Bolan, Lincoln Bolan, and Lilly O’Byrne. Those that he rejoins in eternal peace are his parents, Donald and Anna O’Byrne.

A graveside for Douglas will be held Monday, January 27, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Kansas Veteran cemetery, 1208 N College St, Winfield, KS 67156.

Following the graveside will be a reception at 11:30 PM at Glenville Baptist Church, 4604 S. Seneca St., Wichita, KS 67217.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Doug's honor may be made to The Missions at Glenville Baptist Church, 4604 S. Seneca St., Wichita, KS 67217.

Serving as pallbearers are Jason O'Byrne, Zyon Hayden, Lincoln Bolan, Michael McManaway, Ethan McManaway and Christopher Pahls.