Byron Frederick Prahm

In passing, he joined in heaven his beloved wife of 66 years, Frances J. Prahm (“Frannie”).

Byron pursued a life shaped by discipline, service, and steady purpose. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Siena College in Loudonville, New York. Immediately upon graduation, he entered military service with the United States Army in August 1958. Byron proudly served his country with commitment and professionalism for twenty years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. His military career took him and Frannie around the world and across the United States. He was a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, India. He served twice in Vietnam from October 1965 until September 1966 and again from June 1968 until June 1969. Over the course of his military career Byron earned the following Awards and Decorations: Silver Star; Legion of Merit; Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal; Army Commendation Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with seven service stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; U.S. Air Force Distinguished Unit Award; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation; Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation; Combat Infantryman Badge; Expert Infantryman Badge; Master Parachutist Badge; Ranger Tab; Pathfinder Badge.

After retiring from the Army, Byron began a second career with Delco Electronics in Kokomo. He enjoyed civilian life with Delco for another twenty years until he retired for a second time in 1999. Immediately upon retirement from Delco, the company called him back as a special consultant in anticipation of potential operational problems as clocks and computers around the world changed from the year 1999 to the year 2000. The new year arrived without a hitch and Byron was officially retired. He enjoyed telling this story.

A person of faith and community, Byron was a long-time parishioner at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. He was a member of the American Legion in Kokomo, Indiana, and a lifetime member of the United States Army Ranger Association, the Military Officers Association of America, and the Association of the United States Army.

He is survived by his brother-in-law, Oswald King Weaver of New Fairfield, Connecticut and sixteen nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Frannie; his parents, Jacob and Bertha; sister Linda (Dennis) Cole.

Visitation for Byron will be on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 3155 County Road S 200 W, Kokomo, with Rev. Fr. Chris Shocklee celebrating. Burial will follow to Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.