Thomas R. Byrnes 1906-2003

BYRNES, SCHULTE, COLLINS, HINDERMAN, NEEDHAM

Posted By: S.Ferrall (email)
Date: 6/30/2004 at 15:31:14

Thomas Rueben Byrnes, age 97, of Waukon, died Saturday, September 27, 2003, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Oct. 1 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, with Fr. Joseph Schneider officiating. Burial with full military rites was in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, rural Waukon. Hanson Funeral Home assisted with arrangements. Thomas Rueben was born March 24, 1906, in Waukon, the son of Ben and Kathryn Byrnes. He served in the U.S. Army from June to November of 1941 and was called back after the outbreak of World War II, serving until October of 1945. During that time, Reuben served with the 20th Infantry and was awarded two bronze stars, one good conduct medal, and a combat infantry medal. Reuben lived around Waukon all his life. He worked on the railroad as a young man before entering the Army. He worked at Wilson Packing Company in Cedar Rapids before returning to Allamakee County, where he worked for many area farmers. In his later years, he worked at the sawmill. Rueben loved the outdoors and all things in nature. He enjoyed driving out in the country to visit family and friends, who always enjoyed his visits. He was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. He was a member of the American Legion. He is survived by three nephews, Donald (Gloria) of Council Bluffs, Raymond (Mildred) of Casa Grande, Ariz., and William (Deanne) of Rodeo, N.M.; four nieces, Ruth Schulte and Dorothy (Thomas) Collins, both of Cedar Rapids, Mary Lou (John) Hinderman of Dubuque, and Jeanne (Leonard) Needham of Harpers Ferry; and a dear friend, Rose Lensing. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Leo and Joe Byrnes. Casketbearers were Brian Burke, John O'Malley, Gary Ward, Tom Collins, John Hinderman, and Len Needham.

©Waukon Standard 2003
source: Waukon Standard, Waukon, Allamakee Co. IA, 10/7/2003