Gene "Mike" Byram

Taken from his loved ones without warning, Gene "Mike" Byram was a blessing in the lives of everyone he met. A devoted family man if ever there was one, Mike savored every moment he had to spend with his loved ones, and it was when surrounded by their love that he was truly happy. Someone who was content in whatever life brought, he was never concerned with building wealth or accumulating possessions, rather, Mikes focus was on using his gifts and talents to create beautiful pieces for others to enjoy. Life will never be the same without him here, but his timeless legacy that is deeply rooted in faith, compassion, and generosity will be proudly carried on by those who follow in his footsteps.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as WWII raged on throughout Europe. Countless young men and women were deeply entrenched in the perils of war while those who remained stateside became all too familiar with rationing on common goods while victory gardens were planted to lessen the demand on the nations food supply. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1944 when Herbert and Betty (Sullivan) Byram were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as a thick blanket of winter snow blanketed the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana, as the new year dawned. The big day finally arrived on January 20th when the baby boy they named Gene drew his first breath. He was raised in the family home in Waynedale, located on the south end of Ft. Wayne, alongside his sister, Julie, and his brother, Terry.

In many ways Mike was a young boy of his generation. He enjoyed things like going to the movies with his grandma on the weekends and spending time at the family cottage on the lake. It was while a student in local schools that Mike discovered that he loved working with his hands as he enjoyed his shop classes. Not long after graduating from Fort Wayne Central High School in 1962, Mike enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. While in the service Mike was a mechanic who served in Japan, Italy, and the Philippines.

After 4 years, Mikes military duties were fulfilled and he was discharged. He began working for the railroad and International Harvester. Mike worked at a few other places, and it was while working that he met his future wife in 1988. Her name was Teresa, and they began dating. One year later, Mike and Teresa were married on April 8, 1989, deeply in love. Mikes two children, Tara and Michael, soon welcomed twin brothers, Keith and Brock, into their lives.

Mike found his true calling when he was able to take his love of woodworking and turn it into a career in his woodworking business, Mikes Wood. He was a skilled craftsman who was passionate about working with wood. Mike loved being in his shop where he not only did his woodworking, but he was also a blacksmith, worked with leather and carvings, and could make just about anything.

In his free time, Mike was one to keep busy. He enjoyed fishing and riding his motorcycles as he had two antique bikes, a Harley-Davidson and a Honda. Whenever they could, Mike and Teresa went out cruising together. They also watched NASCAR on the weekends, and during his younger years Mike raced stock cars at Baer Field Motor Speedway in Ft. Wayne. Mike also looked forward to the weekend because he and Teresa usually had a camp fire on Friday nights. He enjoyed shooting and target practicing, and for years he was a member of the American Legion, Post 157 in Churubusco. When relaxing, Mike enjoyed reading, and his favorite book was the Bible.

All who knew Gene Mike Byram would agree that he was a truly extraordinary man to know and love. He worked hard doing what he loved, and he cherished nothing more than using his talents to their fullest. Mike had a quick wit and was always ready with a quick comeback that was sure to make others smile and laugh. Second only to his faith was the love he had for his wife, children, and grandchildren, as they were his greatest source of pride and joy. Mike will be deeply missed while his memory remains a lasting treasure for generations to come.

Gene "Mike" Byram, of Columbia City, Indiana, died at 11:02 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Mike;s family includes his wife, Teresa Byram; daughter, Tara (Chad) Fulk of Albion; sons, Michael (Karlena) Byram of Ft. Wayne, Keith (Tanyssa Lortie) Byram of Fort Wayne and Brock (Nicole) Byram of South Whitley; sister, Julie LeCoque of Fort Wayne; brother, Terry Byram of Ft. Wayne; and eight grandchildren with the ninth one expected in June of 2015. Visitation will be from 12-5 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2015, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Memorial donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse or Shepherds House for Veterans. To read Mikes life story or send his family condolences, visit www.demoneygrimes.com .