WILLIAM TROY BYLER

William Troy Byler, born January 29, 1943 to William A. and Ruby Fleck Byler in Houston, Texas. “Pa” passed away peacefully with his wife and 4 kids all by his side in Bellville, TX on Friday, October 21, 2022 at the age of 79 years, 8 months and 21 days. Troy lived his younger years and attended schools in Houston - He loved calf roping and steer wrestling at the Circle 8 and Humble arenas. He graduated from Sam Houston High School, then went on to attend The University of Houston, and also worked for Southern Pacific Railroad in the Engineering Department. As a young man Troy attended the Lindale Assembly of God Church with his family, where he met his soulmate, Merlene Ann Peoples. They married in 1963. This past July 27th they celebrated 59 years of marriage! They were blessed with their first child in 1965, Reesa Lenay; William Troy Byler, Jr (Bill) in 1966; Beth Ann in 1968; and Jesse Lee in 1974. In 1973, together, Troy and Merlene began W.T. Byler Company Inc. in their home on Lilija Street in Houston Texas, which is still going strong today! Troy and Merlene moved their family to Chappell Hill in 1975 and Troy commuted to Houston everyday until his retirement.

The things that made “Pa” the happiest were his Grandkids and Great-grand kids. Everyone loved Pa’s garden and his care packages that he would deliver around to everyone. His lifelong love of rodeo was evident by all of the years of dedication and hard work he put into the Youth Rodeo Association of TX (YRA), Austin Co.Youth Rodeo Assoc. (ACYRA), and the Austin County Rodeo Committee. Up until a few years ago, he was still working and was always regarded as the #1 - All Time Great Tractor Driver!

Troy Byler was dedicated to his community and especially to the town of Bellville! Troy and Merlene started and led several ventures in Bellville, such as Rolling Oaks Skating Rink, Four County Auction Center, Kenneywood, Creekwood and West Hills Subdivisions in Bellville ~in all subdivisions the streets are named after Pa’s great grandkids~ and Faith Academy of Bellville, just to name a few. In 2011 the Troy Byler Baseball Field was named and dedicated to him for all of the work he did for Faith Academy. Troy served on several boards & committees through which he enjoyed years of friendship: Charter Bancshares Director, First National Bank of Bellville Director, Industry Bancshares Director, Christian Faith Church Board, YRA Board & President, ACYRA Board & President and Austin County Rodeo Committee Board & President, Austin County Soil & Water Conservation District, Associated General Contractors, Associated Builders and Contractors, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and current member of Bellville First Church. Troy is survived by his wife of 59 years, Merlene Ann Peoples Byler, daughter and son in law, Reesa and Randy Ueckert, son and daughter in law, Bill and Kerri Byler, daughter and son in law, Beth and Todd Keaton, son and daughter in law, Jesse and Kimmi Byler. Brothers and sister in laws, Kenneth and Darlene Byler and Glen and Reanay Byler, and special niece, Lisa Peoples Cernosek. “Pa” is also survived by 9 loving Grandkids and their spouses: Terri & Justin Maresh, Kara & Austin Rathbone, Kate & Trey Carter, Brenna & Caleb Smidt, Lynette & Rowdy Parrott, Troy Lee & Katelyn Keaton, KaryAnn & JB James, Blaze Byler and Jayci Byler. Troy “Pa” was also blessed with 13 Great Grandkids: Jared & Garrett Maresh, Eli & Randi Alice Rathbone, Layton & Jack Lincoln Carter, Cru, Myla Pearle & Chaz Smidt, Pacen & Bayler Parrott (and one more on the way!), Trace Lee & Luke Keaton.

Troy was preceded to Heaven by his parents, William A. and Ruby Byler, in-laws, Floyd and Mabel Peoples, brothers in law, Floyd Lee and Roy Peoples, Grandson and Granddaughter, Will and Bailee Byler.

“Pa” had several very special friends that will never be forgotten for the love and dedication they showed during these past couple of years. Special thanks to Tammy and Kelsey Reese for their over and above care this past year.

Pallbearers: Justin Maresh, Austin Rathbone, Trey Carter, Caleb Smidt, Rowdy Parrott, Troy Lee Keaton, JB James and Blaze Byler.Honorary Pallbearers: Al Peck, Sammy Pierce, Bryan Vacha, Bill Sjolander, Gerald Tegeler, Fred Myers, all past and current W.T. Byler Company employees and all past FNB Directors.

Troy will lie in state from 2:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, October 26, 2022, and 8:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M., Thursday, October 27, 2022, at the Schmidt Funeral Home in Bellville.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, October 27, 2022, at the Austin County Fair Convention and Expo Center located at 1076 Hwy. 159 East in Bellville with Officiant: Dr. Eric Moore officiating.

Interment will follow in the Byler Family Cemetery located at 4312 Neumann Road in Chappell Hill.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Faith Academy of Bellville, 12177 Hwy. 36, Bellville, Texas 77418, Youth Rodeo Association of Texas, PO Box 398, Bellville, Texas 77418, Bellville Medical Center, 44 North Cummings, Bellville, Texas 77418 in W.T. Byler’s honor.

Funeral arrangements under the direction of Schmidt Funeral Home, PO Box 610, 12029 Hwy. 36 South, Bellville, Texas 77418 – (979)865-2424 – www. schmidtfunerals.com