Dr. Robert Maxwell Byers

Dr. Robert Maxwell Byers passed peacefully in his sleep March 6, 2021 after a long battle with cancer. Dr. Byers was born in Baltimore, Maryland September 24, 1937 but said he came to Texas as fast as he could. He graduated from Duke University and The University of Maryland Medical School.

He volunteered and enlisted in the US Navy in 1960. He was the Assistant Chief of Surgery for the 1st Marine Division and Lieutenant Commander in Da Nang, Vietnam and then served as Captain in the US Naval Reserve.

Dr. Byers began his 31-year career in The Head and Neck Department as a Surgical Oncologist at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in 1970. He quickly became a distinguished Professor and surgeon, a pioneer in head and neck surgery. He leaves a legacy of playing a major role in changing the paradigm of the radical neck dissection. He was most known for his uncompromising care of his patients. Dr. Byers was also known worldwide for his lectures and presentations of his innovative surgical procedures.

Dr. Byers is survived by the love of his life of nearly 60 years, Marcia. He is also survived by his cherished sons and their wives, Dr. John Maxwell, wife Lynn, Robby Marshall, wife Rebecca, Dr. Matthew Davis, wife Paige, and MacGregor Cunningham and wife Candace. He has ten grandchildren who were the light of his life: Gray, Caroline, Brittany, Fisher, Briley, Alexandra, Cameron, Brooke, Julia, MacGregor, and 3 great-grandchildren Luke, James and Elody. His 1st born grand-son, John Hunter, preceded him in death in 2003. He is also survived by his brother Dr. John W. Byers, wife Mae, and sister Katherine Farwell Campbell.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on 5300 Main Street in Houston in the main sanctuary. Due to COVID restrictions, attendance is limited, and registration is required at https://fpchouston.org/caring.

Dr. Byers together with his wife, Marcia, will be interred at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas upon her death.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. Robert Byers’ name to Child Advocates of Fort Bend or Coastal Conservation Association of Texas.

“To be worthy to serve the suffering.”