Obituary of Byron Edward Deere

Byron Edward Deere, age 80, of Lake Ozark, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at Harry S. Truman Veteran’s Hospital, Columbia, Missouri.

Byron was born July, 24, 1937 in Independence, Kansas, the son of John Byron Deere and Martha Davis Deere (Dickinson).

He was united in love and marriage of 54 years to Janet Deere on August 10, 1963 in Grays Essex, England.  He met his wife as pen pals when they were both very young. 

Byron was a School of the Osage graduate. He spent time after graduating serving our country in the Air Force.   He took some business class at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri. He spent over 40 years as a volunteer fireman for the Lake Ozark Fire Protection District.   He worked as a salesman for a family business called J.B. Deere Cedarcraft in Lake Ozark, Missouri.  He spent time working 8 years alongside his wife in a business called ByJan Novelty Company in Lake Ozark, Missouri.  Byron then spent 13 years working in the housekeeping department at Osage Beach Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Osage Beach, Missouri.  April 2016 he decided it was time to retire from working.  Byron’s favorite hobbies were stamp collecting, collecting fire patches from all areas of the world, reading biographies and history books, finishing crossword puzzles in record speed, putting together puzzle, talking about history of the Lake area to just about anyone who would listen, attending NASCAR events, attending the Missouri State Fair and even volunteering as a fireman, and traveling.  He also looked forward every year to attending the School of the Osage Alumni dinner to catch up with classmates and friends and attending School of the Osage basketball and football games.  He followed many years of watching his daughter play sports.  Byron also attended his daughter’s high school graduation and two university graduations.

Byron was a former and/or current member of the Lake Ozark Lions Club, Elks Club, and other Lake area civic clubs or organizations.

Byron was a lifetime member of Lake Ozark Christian Church in Lake Ozark, Missouri.  He loved to share his knowledge of Word in weekly Sunday school class.  Byron served many roles over the years in the church including as a deacon.

He is survived by his wife Janet Deere of Lake Ozark, Missouri, his daughter Sara Deere of Lake Ozark, Missouri,  one sister Christine Deere of Ozark, Missouri, and Jake his beloved grandson dog, in addition to many cousins, nieces, & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Susan Basha Deere sister, and quite a few relatives

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

 He now is resting very peacefully.  He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.

Instead of flowers or bereavement donations please consider Lake Ozark Fire Protection District Benevolent Fund and consider donating in his name.    

A private service with military honors will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Hedges Scott in Osage Beach, Missouri.  A memorial service with fireman honors will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Lake Ozark Christian Church with Reverend Gary Mitchell officiating the service.