Charles A. "Chuck" Byer Jr.

Chuck Byer loved computers, golfing, hunting, and his motorcycle. Most of all, however, Chuck loved his family and his friends. Generous and kind-hearted, Chuck was always willing to lend a hand to a friend in need. He was wonderful at repairs, and if something broke everyone knew Chuck could be counted on to come over and get things back on track. Chucks friendly smile, infectious laugh, and caring heart will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched. Charles Chuck Byer Jr. was born on October 4, 1961, to proud parents Charles Sr. and Lois (Brace) Byer. Chuck was their youngest, and grew up with an older sister, Cheryl. He also had many canine siblings a series of Airedale terriers over the years. The Byer family lived in Muskegon, Michigan, where Charles Sr. worked for Westran Corporation and Lois was a registered nurse. Outgoing and personable, young Chuck made friends easily. He met his lifelong best friend in Churchill Elementary School Brian Jett. Chuck and Brian enjoyed riding Honda mini-bikes and playing little league baseball (the team was coached by Chucks dad and Jerry Jett). Chuck also spent a lot of time with his cousins, who lived right next door, and was active in the Cub Scouts. Chuck and his family lived near Lake Michigan, so Chuck spent lots of time in and near the water. For vacations, the Byers made many memorable journeys in their motorhome, with destinations including South Dakota, Florida, and Wyoming. Closer to home, Chuck and his dad were avid deer hunters, and looked forward to hunting season every year. After graduating from Mona Shores High School in 1980, Chuck went on to the I.T.T. Institute. Before he knew it, he was part of the working world, with his first job being with ServiceMaster in Indiana. Chuck was very mechanical, and could fix just about anything! He enjoyed helping his neighbors, and often lent a hand to do repair jobs. In 1990, Chuck was married; although the marriage only lasted a short time, he and his wife were blessed with two children. Chuck eventually settled down in Plainwell, Michigan. He remained very close to his large extended family, and especially his grandmother, Gi-Gi. The Byers always had huge family gatherings, and Chuck enjoyed catching up with everybody. In his free time, Chuck loved riding his motorcycle. He often traveled to Silver Lake, where he rode his bike in the sand dunes. He also enjoyed hunting, and always had a great time hunting with friends and family at Uncle Jacks farm in Casnovia, Michigan. In recent years, Chucks parents wintered in Florida, and Chuck enjoyed traveling south for visits. In 2010, Chuck earned his commercial drivers license. Generous, smart, and hard-working, Chuck was a loving son, a caring brother and uncle, and a loyal friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members. Mr. Charles "Chuck" A. Byer Jr. died on December 5, 2012, at the age of 51. Chucks family includes his parents, Charles and Lois Byer Sr. of Muskegon; his sister, Cheryl (Jan) Arnson of Georgia; and several nieces. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, at the Clock Chapel Muskegon, with Rev. Dwight Reed and Rev. Craig Cramblet officiating. Memorial donations may be directed to Gift of Life. Please visit Chucks personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory, and sign the online guestbook.