Michael Byars, Sr.

Michael Byars was born in Ft. Benning, Georgia on December 15, 1954 to his parents, Rev. J.L. Byars and Catherine Johnson Byars. He was the third of five children born to this union. Michael grew up in Parkhill where he received his formal education. He attended Smith Elementary, Smiley Junior High, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson High School. On October 26, 1973, Michael enlisted in the United States Army, he was stationed in Ft. Polk, Louisiana. While serving his country, he earned a National Defense Service Medal. He served with honor and distinction and he was honorable discharged. Michael united in holy matrimony to Sherri Vaughn. They first met when a friend of his was dating a friend of hers that lived next door it was love at first sight, unfortunately they both were too young and Sherri had moved away. It would be 8 years later when they would see each other again. Sherri was stranded when her car overheated and she was in the gas station waiting on her brother to pick her up, Michael happen to be in the same gas station, they were so excited to see each other. They later married and were blessed with two sons Michael Jr. and Bernard. Family was very important to Michael, he always gave his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews those long talks about life and they would just sit and listen to him go on and on he had hope one day they would truly hear him. Michael loved spending time with his four grandchildren, Camaure, Sara-Marie, Bernard and D'Jaylen, they were the joy of his life. He taught them how to ride a bicycle, then thought he could keep up with them when it was time to ride together of course he was only a few blocks behind. Michael loved cars whether it was racing or fixing them, especially the older cars, so maybe that is why he became an Rapid Transit District (RTD) driver because of the love of driving he would always tell his wife he was a professional driver he really enjoyed driving the long buses he could pull that bus so close to the curb to pick up a customers they would be amazed. Handicap and elderly passenger really liked riding his bus because he took care of them whatever they needed to be comfortable he made sure of that. He retired from RTD March 2013. Michael loved to fish. He could sit at the lake all day and come home with nothing but had a good day. Then it would be working on his home; especially his yard work, it was the greenest on the block. But his greatest passion was cooking and when it came to family picnics you would always hear "where is Uncle Mike's ribs" they were so tender the meat would just melt in your mouth and he personalized the barbeque sauce which people still ask what he put in it. He is preceded in death by his father, Elder Jimmy L. Byars Michael Byars departed this life on April 12, 2013 in Denver, CO. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Sherri Byars of Aurora, his mother Evangelist Missionary Catherine Byars of Denver, CO., sons Michael Jr. (Shakina) Byars of Dallas, TX., Bernard (Billie) Byars of Denver, CO., brothers Jimmie L. Byars Jr. of Denver, CO., Joseph Byars of Aurora, CO. and sisters Veda (Kirby) Byars-Woods of Aurora, CO., Evangelist Missionary Cynthia (Arthur) Lipscomb of Denver, CO.

Visitation: 4/21/2013 at 12:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO
Service: 4/22/2013 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 4/22/2013 - Fort Logan National Cemetery - Denver, CO