William "Bill" L. Byham

William "Bill" L. Byham, 78, of Meadville passed away on Thursday, February 6th, 2020 at the Crawford County Care Center to “live a life of eternity on the largest golf course”, following a long battle with colon cancer.
 
Bill was born in Meadville, on September 24, 1941 a son of the late Charles W. and Leah Mae (Warner) Byham.
 
Bill met the love of his life while attending the Saturday night dances at the “YMCA”.  On December 26, 1964 Bill married Barbara Morfenski at St. Brigid Roman Catholic Church with Father John J Cannon officiating. She became his life partner; she survives.

Bill attended Meadville schools through 11th grade then graduated in 1959 from Rayen High School, Youngstown, OH. In January, 1960, he entered the US Army and graduated from Special IBM Training School in Ft. Mammouth, NJ and was later sent to serve in Asmara, Ethiopia. He was honorably discharged on January 25, 1963.
 
Bill began a long career with the railroad as a brakeman with Erie Lackawanna which later became known as Conrail. He also worked as a Conductor, and retired from CSX Railroad. Bill’s love and dedication to his job earned him the nickname “Train Man Bill”.  During his 40 years with the railroad industry, Bill formed many long lasting friendships with co-workers and their families. Bill maintained those friendships by attending monthly breakfasts at Perkins where the old gang reminiscing about the days gone by.

Following his retirement, Bill and Barb retreated during the winter months to Myrtle Beach where they and Bill’s brother and sister in law, Fred and Pat vacationed for over 20 years. Bill’s passion for golf grew stronger as he and Fred enjoyed many golf courses and met many great golfers along the way. He loved the summer months in PA as he and his close buddies looked forward to hitting various golf courses with Cross Creek and Myrtle Beach as top destinations. He equally looked forward to the Mulligan-McCrory Golf Outing each year.
 
A people person, Bill loved socializing with his friends and enjoyed being a member of the former Meadville Club, Meadville Elks BPO #219, Meadville Eagles Club, VFW Post #2006 and American Legion Post #205.
 
He was a wonderful baker, especially in demand were his fudge, apple pies and pumpkin pies. His other interests included playing cards especially euchre and pinochle, he loved deer hunting, bowling and most of all golfing. Bill was a die-hard Cleveland Browns fan.
 
In addition to his wife, Barb, of 55 years, Bill will be sadly missed by his three children, Christine Yamrick (Joseph), Jeffrey William and Charles Edward all of Meadville as well as his two granddaughters Brooke Christine and Madison Byham, who were the apple of his eye.  His beloved Icelandic Shepard, Abby, who helped him along his cancer journey will also miss him.

Bill is further survived by his brother Fred Byham (Patricia) brothers in law, Edward Morfenski, David Morfenski (Mary), sisters in law, Kathleen Morfenski, Victoria Morfenski and Teri Morfenski; special nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a sister Mary Lou Knight and husband Kenny, his beloved in laws, Lewis and Jennie Morfenski; brother in law Daniel Morfenski and sister in law Barbara A. Morfenski.
 
Bill will be most remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, who looked forward to attending every family sporting event, scouting event, dance recital and piano recital. His family meant the world to him.
 
The Byham family would like to thank Crawford County Care Center, Kindred Hospice, Dr. Jason Brown and his nurses Stephanie and Dawnmel for the comfort and support Bill received.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, February 10, 2020 from 11-1 at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE, where a Funeral Service will be held at 1 PM with Fr. Jeff Lucas, Pastor of St. Brigid Church, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in William’s memory to Crawford County Care Center, 20881 State Hwy. 198, Saegertown, PA 16433.
 
Bill will be laid to rest in St. Brigid Cemetery will Full Military Honors by VFW Post #2006.
 
Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com