Byron D. Keith

Byron D. Keith, 92, of Island City, died April 27 at home with family at his bedside. A graveside service will begin at 2 p.m. Monday at Grandview Cemetery.

Byron was born Jan. 4, 1919, in Mt. Hersey, Ark. He was raised in the area, then followed his dream of aviation mechanics by attending the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Okla., where he received his A&E mechanics certification. Shortly after graduating, he worked as an engine mechanic for TWA, and then went on to National Airlines.

Being drafted in World War II, he proudly served in the Army Air Corps as a crew chief on the C-47 (Daisy Mae aircraft), delivering military supplies for the Air Force. After the military, Byron went into civil service, spending the next 34 years as a logistics officer involved with the air defense missile programs.

On Jan. 6, 1945, Byron married the love of his life, Margaret. They spent 66 memorable years together. For the past 20 years, they had retired and lived in Las Vegas, but recently relocated to Island City to be close to Vicki and David Lyon, their daughter and son-in-law.

Those who knew him say Byron's deep love for his wife and family was his highest attribute. They say he was always there to help, love and support, and looked for the best in those he was around. His family says he was a man of integrity and was an honest person who told it "like it was."

Survivors include his wife, Margaret, of Island City; daughter, Vicki and her husband, David Lyon, of La Grande; one grandson; two step-grandsons; one great-granddaughter; brother and sister-in-law, James and Barbara McCully of Burnsville, Minn.; brother-in-law, Keith Crider and Bonnie Stuart of Westford, Mass.; sister-in-law, Linda Crider of North Billerica, Mass.; six nieces; and one nephew.

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