Byron (Barney) W. Friesner, age 78, of Osceola, passed away at his residence on Saturday, June 19, 2010. Byron was born May 18, 1932 in St. Joseph County, Indiana to the late Leo V. and Anna (McPherson) Friesner. On April 5, 1953, Byron was united in marriage to the former Ms. Shirley Bunch in Osceola.
His wife Shirley survives, along with their daughters, Yolanda Emley, Brenda Friesner, Cheril Sadural and her husband James, and Darlyne Toombs and her husband Russell, all of Granger, Indiana. Also surviving is his brother, Lowell Friesner of Osceola, and his grandchildren; Allyson, Aaron, Adrienne, Alex, Kyle and Kendra. Byron was preceded in death by his brothers Leo Jr., Donald and Richard Friesner, and his sister, Arlene Blad.
Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola. There will also be one hour of calling prior to the 11:00 am Funeral Service on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Garden of Everlasting Life on the grounds of Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, where Military Rites will be performed by the VFW Post # 360 of Mishawaka.
Byron was a lifelong resident of Osceola. He enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War Era and served from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1954. His pride in the service, and patriotism was never ending, and he was extremely proud of his Granddaughter''s fianc,Braden Hurley, who served his country at West Point and in Iraq.
He was employed for 36 years at Uniroyal in Mishawaka before his retirement. After retirement, Barney worked part-time in maintenance at the Osceola Grace Brethren Church, where he was a member for many years.
In his spare time, Byron enjoyed fishing, playing Euchre and Canasta, watching NASCAR (especially Jeff Gordon), reading, and listening to Country and Bluegrass Gospel Music. He also enjoyed Penn High School sports, attending many practices and games over the years. Byron was also an avid fan of I.U. Basketball, and enjoyed watching the games for many years. Byron enjoyed his 5:30 a.m. daily coffee with his friends, spending time collecting antiques, and shopping the Farmer''s Market, however, his favorite past time was spending time with his grandchildren.
In his memory, contributions may be made to the Osceola Grace Brethren Church.
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