Joseph M. Byers, age 86, of Ulysses, Kansas died Sunday, August 05, 2012 at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City, Kansas. He was born April 10, 1926 in Garden City, Kansas, the son of Ora Oakley and Elsie (Nelson) Byers.

Joe grew up in Ulysses and graduated from Grant County Rural High School in 1944. He served in the Army Air Corp in the South Pacific during World War II. After serving his country he attended Kansas State University and obtained a BS in Electrical Engineering and a BA in Business Administration. Joe married Wilma Shore on August 6, 1950 in Ulysses, Kansas. Joe farmed and lived in Big Bow; then moved to Ulysses in 1958. Joe was a member of Country View Baptist Church, Gideon’s International and Dexter D. Harbour American Legion Post #79. His many interests included animals in general, in particular his pets and grand pets – dogs, horses, and cats. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, dancing, flying and singing in the Barber Shop Quartet and choir. He enjoyed music. He played the trombone, piano and taught himself to play the organ. Joseph also enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in sports.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma of the home; son, Dr. Lowell Byers and wife Sophia of Lenexa, Kansas; daughters, Dr. Jonell Byers of Ulysses, Kansas, Dr. Myrna Domoney and husband Duff of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Marlene Ledford and husband Gary of Springfield, Missouri; and nine grandchildren, Grady and Brent Millikan, Kyle Byers, Lauren Cain, Dr. Melissa Wells, Brad Ledford, Tina Grimes, Cari and Kali Domoney.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Cecil Byers and Franklin Byers.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Country View Baptist Church in Ulysses, Kansas with Reverend Sam Bynum officiating. Interment will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery in Ulysses, Kansas with military graveside rites conducted by Dexter D. Harbour American Legion Post #79. Friends may call Friday, August 10, 2012 from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Memorial contributions may be given to the Country View Baptist Church or Gideon’s International in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880.