Harold Dean Byer

Harold Dean Byer was born on April 24, 1951 in Bakersfield , CA. to Thomas & Arvella Byer, arriving on his oldest brother's birthday. He passed away in Visalia , CA on October 13, 2010 at the age of 59 years after a courageous three year battle with cancer. He grew up on a cattle ranch in the Bakersfield area and enjoyed that lifestyle. Active in 4-H Harold won numerous top awards including two Grand Champions. After high school, he attended Bakersfield College majoring in Animal Husbandry. Harold was a natural with animals. He wanted to be a Veterinarian and work with large animals but left college to help his father on the ranch when times were difficult.

A friend of the family took Harold on his first plane ride when he was 7 years old and he loved to fly. He became a cropduster in his early 20's for Gariot Aviation. After a few years of cropdusting and surviving two plane crashes Harold decided to move to Visalia after visiting his brother Tom. Harold liked the area and decided to move here in 1973. He worked for Cal Gro winery in Cutler for four years, then began working in concrete construction for various contractors until he retired in 2005 due to health issues. He worked as a cement mason in the construction trade for many years. Harold married the former Wynona M. Corley in Reno, Nevada on November 15, 1978 and they had a wonderful and loving 31 years together. Harold loved to barbecue and be with family. His barbecued ribs would rival any around. He never met a stranger and would do anything he could to help his friends and family. Harold will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Harold was a 4-H member and later a 4-H leader, member of the Elks Lodge #1298 and past member of the Moose Lodge.

SURVIVORS include his wife Wynona Marie Byer of Visalia; brother, Tom Lee Byer and wife Sheila of Visalia, 6 nephews; 4 nieces; 11 great nephews and 5 great nieces. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Dennis Ray Byer.

Graveside Services will be held at the Visalia Cemetery Pavilion, Wednesday, October 20th, 10:00 a.m.

VISITATION: Tuesday, 2-7 p.m., Miller Memorial Chapel, October 19th.

Condolences may be offered at www.millerchapel.com under the direction of Miller Memorial Chapel, Visalia

Arrangements under the direction of Miller Memorial Chapel, Visalia, CA.