Reuben Ellery Byer's Obituary
Reuben Ellery Byer, 82 years of Red Bud, IL, passed away on Monday, December 12, 2022 at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO. He was born September 15, 1940, in Belleville, IL.
On, May 31, 1969, in St. John's Lutheran Church, Red Bud, IL, he was united in marriage to Patricia Hanebutt and to this union he adopted her three sons and they had a daughter together. They shared fifty three years of marriage together.
They lived in rural Waterloo for the majority of their married life and were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church. After retiring from Nu-Deal Oil where he worked as a mechanic for 46 years, They moved to rural Red Bud to the farmstead where Patricia was born. They rejoined St. John’s Lutheran church. Ellery was a drag racer in his early years and loved all things related cars and racing. He was an active member of several car clubs, he enjoyed going to swap meets and tinkering on cars with family and friends. He loved camping, gardening and most of all spending time with family.
Ellery is survived by his wife, Patricia Byer of Red Bud, his three children, Dean (Vanessa) Byer of Athens, AL, Kevin (Elaine) Byer of Red Bud, IL, and Lisa (Michael) Jauernig of Columbia, IL, his daughter-in-law, Lisa Byer of Steeleville, IL, his sister, Bonnie Woods of Cahokia, IL, his eight grandchildren, Missy Amann, Amanda (Steve) Braun, Caitlyn (Brian) Mormann, Michelle (Tony) Cramer, Ali (Jeff) Brockmeyer, Austin Byer, Chuck Byer, and Colton Henry, his eight great-grandchildren, Bryce, Lexi, Wyatt, Clayton, Sawyer, Brayden, Andrew and Easton, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Reuben Edward Byer; mother, Flossie Conaway; and son, Michael R Byer.
Visitation will be Thursday, December 15, 2022, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Red Bud, Red Bud, IL. Services will be held, Thursday December 15, 2022 7:00 PM, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Red Bud, IL, with Pastor Mark Nebel officiating.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to St. John Lutheran Church, 508 Bloom St., Red Bud, IL 62278 or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (Gateway Chapter,) 1972 Innerbelt Business Center Dr., St. Louis, MO 63114-5723 .
For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Reuben?
What’s a lesson you learned from Reuben?
Share a story where Reuben's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Reuben you’ll never forget.
How did Reuben make you smile?

