Byron E. Bircher

Byron E. Bircher, 91 passed away peacefully at the Kansas City Hospice House on April 5, 2023. Byron was born in Lawrence, Kansas on July 9,1931, the son of Elmer Bircher and Clara Bircher. Byron grew up in Lawrence as an only child. He was a wonderful son, always working hard at school and helping on their farm cutting down trees which they eventually use to build a restaurant in Lawrence. When not in school, Byron worked at his family’s restaurant and saved his money until he graduated high school in 1949. He used his savings to put himself through college at the University of Kansas.

Byron only needed 4 hours of credit to graduate from KU when he was inducted into the United States Army where he served from 1952 -1955. The Army then paid for him to complete his 4 hours of credit earning him a BS in Civil Engineering followed by a MS in Civil Engineering graduating in 1960 from KU.

Byron began working for the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1960 and retired from the Corps in 1998. He remained a bachelor until December 27, 1977, when he married the love of his life, Patricia. Byron and Pat met in 1974 in a bowling league and fell in love. They were married for nearly 45 years when Patricia passed away last October. Together they enjoyed their family time, socializing with friends, road trips, bowling and going to the casinos. Byron embraced Pat’s 3 daughters and became the father they never had growing up. “B” was told many times by Pat’s daughters that he was the best thing that ever happened to her. Byron loved the Jayhawks and had season tickets to both KU football and basketball for many years.

Byron was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Bircher, his father, Elmer Bircher, his mother Clara Bircher, and his stepdaughter, Robin Schantz.

He is survived by his stepdaughters, Debbie (Dave) McEndarffer, and Vickie (Bruno) Harper. Grandchildren, Kimberly Maxon, Piper (Ciaran) Parsley, Tiffany Gale, Wendy (Kevin) Baird, Nikki (Amie) Schantz, and Megan Schantz. Great-Grandchildren, Logan Parsley, Luke Parsley, Dylan Gale, Jaxson Gale, Henry Maxon, Charlie Maxon, Greta Maxon, Carter Baird, Calista Baird, and Hugh Hankel.

Visitation will be 1-2 pm Saturday, April 8th at Johnson County Funeral Chapel and Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, KS 66210. A funeral service will follow at 2 pm. Burial immediately following service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64145.