Ned Smitley Byer's Obituary
Ned Smitley Byer, 91, of New Haven, passed away on Monday, January 9, 2023, at Kingston Care Center, Fort Wayne. Born in Decatur, he was the son of the late Hubert and Margaret (Smitley) Byer. He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne. He was a lifelong farmer who served his country in the US Air Force during the Korean War. He was a member of Howard Bandelier Post 2456, Navy Ship Club 245, and in recent years took part in a Northeast Indiana Honor Flight to Washington DC. He also was a world traveler, traveling to all seven continents.
He is survived by siblings-in-law, Bob and Gloria Bowen both of Decatur; nephews, Tom (Christa) Franke of Monroeville and Jim (Karen) Bowen of Decatur; nieces, Gerry Franke of Monroeville and Diane (Tim) Zeser of Decatur; and several cousins and many friends. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Mildred "Tudie" Byer in 1990; and niece, Phyllis Franke in 1986.
Funeral service is 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church 7710 E. State Blvd, Fort Wayne with visitation two hours prior from 9 to 11 a.m. The service will be streamed live on St. Peter's Lutheran Church's YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/@StPetersFW/streams. Pastor Steve Ahlersmeyer officiating. Burial in Concordia Cemetery Gardens with military honors. Preferred memorials are to the church, Worship Anew, or Honor Flight Northeast Indiana. Arrangements by Harper's Community Funeral Home, 740 St. Rd. 930 E., New Haven. For online condolences please visit www.harperfuneralhome.com.
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