Byron Burdell Lahr, age 97, formerly of Route 6, Huntington, died at 7:13 a.m. on Thursday (April 10, 2008) at his residence at the Heritage Pointe in Warren.

     Byron was born on April 10, 1911 in Clear Creek Township, Huntington County, IN to Oliver B. and Gertrude A. (Emley) Lahr.  He then moved to Lancaster Township where he engaged in farming.

     On September 6, 1936, he married Dorotha Mae Landrum at the Pleasant Grove E.U.B. Church and she survives.

     Besides being a hard-working farmer, Byron also drove a school bus for Lancaster Township.  He graduated from Clear Creek High School in 1929. He enjoyed all sports, especially I.U. and Purdue basketball and was a loyal fan of the Huntington North Vikings up until the last few years.

     Mr. Lahr lived a life of faith and taught Sunday School for more than 50 years.  He had a genuine zest for life and was known as a master storyteller, telling jokes and making everyone laugh.  No matter where he was, at home in Huntington or on his travels around the country, Byron never met a stranger.

     Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Elaine Houff of Stuarts Draft, VA, two grandsons, William E. Nelson and wife, Andrea, of Brentwood, TN and Michael A. Nelson of Glen Burnie, MD, two great-grandchildren, Kristen and, husband, Bart Norman of Nashville, TN and Michael L. Nelson of Brentwood, TN and one great-great-grandson, Elijah K. Norman of Nashville, TN.

     Preceding Mr. Lahr in death were his parents, stepmother, Elsie Louise Lahr Lauer and Hebert Lauer, a sister and husband, Leatha and Milton Byrd, and son-in-law, Earl Houff.

     Visitation will be from 1 – 2 p.m. Saturday (April 12, 2008) at the Applegate Chapel at Heritage Pointe, 801 Huntington Ave., Warren, IN.  The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Saturday (April 12, 2008) at the Applegate Chapel with Pastor Ed Clark officiating.  A private family burial will take place at the Star of Hope Cemetery, Huntington County.