Obituary for Frank C. Byham
Frank Clifton Byham, 94, of Meadville, PA passed away peacefully on Monday, December 26, 2022. He was born on April 16, 1928 in Guys Mills, PA, the 4th child of Charles & Mabel (Walters) Byham. After graduating from Randolph High School in 1946, he went on to work with his parents on the family farm. On October 3, 1953, Frank married Nancy Ann Davis. In 1959, the Federal Government purchased their farm where the Erie Wildlife took over the area. That year Frank and his family moved to Meadville where he purchased two Mr. Softee ice cream trucks. In the wintertime, he would drive the snowy country roads of Crawford County delivering mail for the U.S. Post Office.
In 1963, he was introduced to selling Life Insurance where he spent the next 50 years. This is when Byham’s Insurance was founded! He loved being around people and made many friends in the business.
He was a very active parishioner at the Grace United Methodist Church where his family spent several Christmas Eves listening to him sing in the choir. He was involved in many organizations which include: Crawford County Life Underwriters, where he served as President and qualified for The Million Dollar Round Table twice. He was also involved with the Jaycees, American Cancer Society, RSVP, Rotary and Kiwanis Club. Frank developed Crawford County Crime Stoppers, and served on the Crawford Central School Board for eight years. He coached elementary basketball, Little League, and Senior League Baseball, along with coaching his son, Jeff and grandson, Kyle. Frank loved going to local sporting events, especially for his children and grandchildren.
At age 65, he decided to become a Hot Air Balloon pilot, being inspired by his grandmother's relatives, the Thurstons. He participated in the Thurston Classic for many years as well as many festivals around the country. One of the most memorable adventures was in 1998, when he traveled to New Mexico for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with several friends and family members. Frank's true love of ballooning was reflected in the smile he had while telling stories of all his flying adventures.
Frank was passionate about being outdoors. He was an avid hunter and always enjoyed going up to his hunting camp in Cherry Grove. For many years he tapped trees to make maple syrup with friends. He loved walking through the woods and splitting wood was a favorite pastime. Another enjoyment of his was playing cards and doing puzzles.
Survivors include his loving wife of 69 years, Nancy, his three daughters; Susan (Pete) Simonetta, Cindy (Dave) Perfett, Beth Byham (Mary Probst), his son Jeff (Molly) Byham, and sister-in-law Petra Davis. Eight Grandchildren; Janel Simonetta, Kyle (Carrie) Stevenson, Amy (Josh) Krepps, David (Nina) Perfett, Jacob (Emily) Byham, Rachel Byham, Mia (Zach) Grill and Alec Byham. Six Great-Grandchildren: Cienna Guthrie, Jack, Henry, Georgie, Charlie Stevenson, Olivia Perfett and several nieces and nephews. He had several great-grand dogs whom he loved seeing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings; Wayne (Dorothy) Byham, Berniece (Carl) Lackey, and Mary (Robert) Powell. Brother-In-Laws; Tom, Don, and John Davis, two nephews, David and Scott Byham, and one niece Patty Byham-Berds.
One of his favorite quotes was, “Whatever you do in life echoes in eternity.” That is how he lived his life.
Family and friends are welcome to call on Friday, December 30th from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at Ryan M. Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 544 Chestnut Street, Meadville. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 31st at 10:00am at Grace United Methodist Church, 828 North Main Street, Meadville, with Pastor Richard Foland, officiating.
Private burial will take place at Saint Agatha Cemetery, Meadville.
The family would like to thank the third floor nurses and aides at Meadville Medical Center and the staff at Marquette Hospice House.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace United Methodist Church 828 N. Main Street Meadville, PA 16335 or Vietnam Vets POST 52 13216 Dunham Road, Meadville, PA 16335.
Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Frank's Book of Memories online at www.WarrenFH.com.
In 1963, he was introduced to selling Life Insurance where he spent the next 50 years. This is when Byham’s Insurance was founded! He loved being around people and made many friends in the business.
He was a very active parishioner at the Grace United Methodist Church where his family spent several Christmas Eves listening to him sing in the choir. He was involved in many organizations which include: Crawford County Life Underwriters, where he served as President and qualified for The Million Dollar Round Table twice. He was also involved with the Jaycees, American Cancer Society, RSVP, Rotary and Kiwanis Club. Frank developed Crawford County Crime Stoppers, and served on the Crawford Central School Board for eight years. He coached elementary basketball, Little League, and Senior League Baseball, along with coaching his son, Jeff and grandson, Kyle. Frank loved going to local sporting events, especially for his children and grandchildren.
At age 65, he decided to become a Hot Air Balloon pilot, being inspired by his grandmother's relatives, the Thurstons. He participated in the Thurston Classic for many years as well as many festivals around the country. One of the most memorable adventures was in 1998, when he traveled to New Mexico for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with several friends and family members. Frank's true love of ballooning was reflected in the smile he had while telling stories of all his flying adventures.
Frank was passionate about being outdoors. He was an avid hunter and always enjoyed going up to his hunting camp in Cherry Grove. For many years he tapped trees to make maple syrup with friends. He loved walking through the woods and splitting wood was a favorite pastime. Another enjoyment of his was playing cards and doing puzzles.
Survivors include his loving wife of 69 years, Nancy, his three daughters; Susan (Pete) Simonetta, Cindy (Dave) Perfett, Beth Byham (Mary Probst), his son Jeff (Molly) Byham, and sister-in-law Petra Davis. Eight Grandchildren; Janel Simonetta, Kyle (Carrie) Stevenson, Amy (Josh) Krepps, David (Nina) Perfett, Jacob (Emily) Byham, Rachel Byham, Mia (Zach) Grill and Alec Byham. Six Great-Grandchildren: Cienna Guthrie, Jack, Henry, Georgie, Charlie Stevenson, Olivia Perfett and several nieces and nephews. He had several great-grand dogs whom he loved seeing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings; Wayne (Dorothy) Byham, Berniece (Carl) Lackey, and Mary (Robert) Powell. Brother-In-Laws; Tom, Don, and John Davis, two nephews, David and Scott Byham, and one niece Patty Byham-Berds.
One of his favorite quotes was, “Whatever you do in life echoes in eternity.” That is how he lived his life.
Family and friends are welcome to call on Friday, December 30th from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at Ryan M. Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 544 Chestnut Street, Meadville. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 31st at 10:00am at Grace United Methodist Church, 828 North Main Street, Meadville, with Pastor Richard Foland, officiating.
Private burial will take place at Saint Agatha Cemetery, Meadville.
The family would like to thank the third floor nurses and aides at Meadville Medical Center and the staff at Marquette Hospice House.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace United Methodist Church 828 N. Main Street Meadville, PA 16335 or Vietnam Vets POST 52 13216 Dunham Road, Meadville, PA 16335.
Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Frank's Book of Memories online at www.WarrenFH.com.