Harold T. Byrne

Byrne, Harold Thomas OREGON/BROOKLYN-Harold Thomas Byrne, age 91, of Oregon, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Thursday, April 7, 2011. Harold was born on Jan. 27, 1920, to Thomas and Eva Byrne. He was a World War II veteran, who was drafted into the U. S. Army Air Force on Jan. 20, 1942. Harold served his country overseas in India with the 10th Air Force, and 14th Air Force Flying Tigers in China. Military duty for Harold was an ambulance driver and medical technician. He was discharged in July 1945 and returned to Oregon to operate the family farm until he sold it in 1988. Harold was involved in the town government for 20 years and also served on the county board. After retiring from farming, Harold worked at the Town of Oregon Recycling Center, where it gave him a chance to keep in touch with the neighborhood. He enjoyed time spent with family and friends, enjoyed his early morning coffee outings with neighborhood buddies, making wine from home grown grapes, and the simple pleasure of sitting on his riding lawn mower to mow the yard. Harold is survived by three brothers and two sisters, Howard (Josephine) Byrne, Robert (Mary) Byrne, Ray (Karen) Byrne, Mary Lou Clayton, Neva (Bob) Cavill; sister-in-law, Joanie Byrne; and 22 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Cletus Byrne; and sister, Betty Warnecke. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 11, 2011, with Father Gary A. Wankerl presiding. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, Oregon, with military honors conducted. Visitation will be at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 10, 2011, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. Harold received wonderful care from the staff at the Ellen and Peter Johnson HospiceCare Residence. Harold was a great brother, special uncle, and good friend to many. He was a big part of all family gatherings and loved by all. His legacy will live on in the lives of all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. "And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand." Visitation: Visitation will be at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 10, 2011, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 11, 2011, with Father Gary A. Wankerl presiding.