Ronald Byland, Sr.

Ronald Lee Byland, Sr.

Age 83 of Minooka and formerly Ludlow, Kentucky passed away Tuesday evening, September 22, 2015 at Heritage Health in Dwight.

Born September 3, 1932 in Ludlow, Kentucky, Ronald was a son of the late Dorcey and Pearl Byland. He was raised and educated in Ludlow and went on to honorably serve in the United States Army. Ron played the clarinet in the Army Band, which allowed him to travel throughout Europe with his wife Joyce (nee Reed). He went on to earn a Bachelors Degree in Sales and Marketing from the University of Kentucky and was hired by Fruit of the Loom. He eventually became vice president and retired after seventeen years. He then opened J & R Wearhouse which he operated for ten years, and also worked with John Greene Realty in Naperville. Ronald had a passion for photography; was a member of the Morris Camera Club and chaired the photo contests during the Grundy County Corn Fest, as well as the Minooka Village Hall city garage sales for several years. Ronald held his private pilot's license and will be remembered for his enjoyment of flying, riding his Goldwing motorcycle, and traveling. Many memorable trips were spent visiting the National Parks, and Door County Wisconsin was one of his favorite destinations. Having experienced a wonderful full life, Ron's greatest accomplishment was his family and he cherished every moment spent with them all.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Joyce; three children: Ronald, Jr. (Stephanie) Byland of Minnesota, and Steve (Patty) Byland and Nancy (Alan) Lindmark, both of Minooka; seven grandchildren: Stephanie (William) Thompson of Minooka, Timothy (Terri) Byland of North Carolina and Hannah Lindmark, Joshua Lindmark, Sarah Lindmark, Noah Lindmark and Emily Lindmark all of Minooka; seven great grandchildren and one cousin: Sandy (Terry) Keller of Ludlow Kentucky.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents and one brother: Jerry Byland.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. until time of funeral service 6:00 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Pastor Dennis Papp of Southfield Church in Channahon will officiate.

Cremation rites will be accorded following the services and inurnment and full military honors will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Ronald’s memory to his family for distribution to charities of their choosing.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or visit Ronald's memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)