May
18, 1932 - June 19, 2010OSCEOLA - Byron "Barney" W. Friesner, 78, of Osceola, passed away in his residence on Saturday, June 19, 2010. Byron was born May 18, 1932, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, to the late Leo V. and Anna (McPherson) Friesner. On April 5, 1953, Byron was united in marriage to the former Ms. Shirley Bunch in Osceola. His wife Shirley survives along with their daughters, Yolanda Emley, Brenda Friesner, Cheril Sadural and her husband, James, and Darlyne Toombs and her husband, Russell, all of Granger, IN. Also surviving are his brother, Lowell Friesner of Osceola; and his grandchildren, Allyson, Aaron, Adrienne, Alex, Kyle and Kendra. Byron was preceded in death by his brothers, Leo Jr., Donald and Richard Friesner, and his sister, Arlene Blad. Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Tuesday, June 22, 2010, at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola. There will also be one hour of calling prior to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Wednesday, June 23, 2010, in Chapel Hill Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Garden of Everlasting Life on the grounds of Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, where military rites will be performed by VFW Post #360 of Mishawaka. Byron was a lifelong resident of Osceola. He enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era and served from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1954. His pride in the service and patriotism was never-ending, and he was extremely proud of his granddaughter's fiancé Braden Hurley, who served his country at West Point and in Iraq. He was employed for 36 years at Uniroyal in Mishawaka before his retirement. After retirement, Barney worked part-time in maintenance at the Osceola Grace Brethren Church where he was a member for many years. In his spare time, Byron enjoyed fishing, playing Euchre and Canasta, watching NASCAR (especially Jeff Gordon), reading, and listening to Country and Bluegrass Gospel Music. He also enjoyed Penn High School sports, attending many practices and games over the years. Byron was also an avid fan of I.U. basketball, and enjoyed watching the games for many years. Byron enjoyed his 5:30 a.m. daily coffee with his friends, spending time collecting antiques, and shopping the Farmers Market however, his favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren. In his memory, contributions may be made to the Osceola Grace Brethren Church. Online condolences may be sent to the Friesner family at www.chapelhillmemorial.com.