Leon L. Byer

Leon L. Byer, 90, of Willshire passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Envive Health Care of Berne, Indiana.

He was born on February 27, 1936, in Adams County, Indiana the son of Elvin K. Byer and Ruth Delight (Aspy) Byer, who both preceded him in death. On July 12, 1963, he married Rita G. (Hartnett) Byer and she preceded him in death on November 21, 2017.

Leon is survived by his two children, Michael L. Byer of Lima, and Karla J. (Carey) Free of Decatur, Indiana; two grandchildren, Taylor (Brittany) Free and Trevor R. (Lyndsi) Free, and seven great-grandchildren, Breanna Sinn, Brooklyn Siunn, Braxton Sinn, Gannon Free, Whitley Free, Clyde Free and Nolan Free.

He was a 1955 graduate of Pleasant Mills High and was part of the famous 1954-1955 high school basketball game versus the Berne Bears where the score was 5-4 in favor of Pleasant Mills. Leon also worked at Phelps Dodge Corporation in Fort Wayne as a tow motor operator and was the founding member of the Willshire Lions Club. He attended the Pleasant Mills Baptist Church, was a avid coon hunter and loved to go fishing. 

In addition to his parents, Leon was preceded in death by his three brothers, Richard “Dick” Byer, Marvin Byer and Norbert Byer and one sister, Jacqueline Rose Boroff.

Funeral services for Leon will be held at Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 30, with Pastor Ernie Suman of Bobo United Brethren Church officiating.  There will be visitation for family and friends from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, and one hour ahead of funeral services on Thursday.

Preferred memorials: the American Cancer Society.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.