Retired E-7 Richard (Dick) Eugene Byers, age 71, formerly of Iola, passed away on March 20, 2025, at the Fort Sill Veteran’s Center in Lawton, Okla. He was born Nov. 28, 1953, to Bert Thomas Byers and Marilyn Aileen Hayes. However, he was lovingly raised by his maternal grandparents, William and Leota Baker.
He attended Iola Senior High School and was a member of Boy Scout Troop 56.
Dick served honorably in the U.S. Army for 20 years, retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class. His primary job was in the artillery as a cannon crewmember. He retired in 2001, having served at Fort Benning, Ga., South Korea, Fort Lewis, Wash., West Germany, Fort Sill, Okla., and Fort Riley, Kan.
He served as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Sill. He was tough, but fair, earning the name “The Rock’” from the men he trained. During his military career he was awarded the Army Lapel Button, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
Dick returned to live in Iola after retirement. In 2018, due to ill health, he moved to Lawton, Okla., to live near his daughter, who became his caregiver, until it became necessary to move him into the nursing facility.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brothers, Mike and Kirby; and granddaughter, Hannah Marie. He is survived by his children, Richard Jr., Shelly, and Shaun; and grandchildren, Ashley and Ronnie (Bubba) Hoots, MaKayla Byers, and Hyson Zirjacks. He will be missed by all the friends and relatives who knew him. Dick was cremated and buried in the Lawton Cemetery.
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