Ellsworth Lee “Ozzie” Byler, age 82, of White Pigeon, passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at his home. He was born June 30, 1941 in Bellefontain, OH a son of Oliver and Martha (Detweiler) Byler. Ozzie graduated from West Liberty High School, Ohio in 1959 and attended Goshen College. On June 25, 1966 he married Evelyn Miller in Goshen.
Ozzie served in the Alternate service for 2 1/2 years in Greece. He was a member of Grace Sturgis and was active in various church ministries. Ozzie and Evelyn participated in several mission trips and most recently involved in the Uganda missions.
He was a Dairy farmer before opening Byler’s Produce and Home Bakery. Then he worked at Lonespruce Farm Service in Sturgis and managed Byler’s Farm Market until retiring in 2014.
Surviving are his wife Evelyn Byler, Sons Steve (Priscilla) Byler, Eric (Cheryl) Byler, daughter Rhonda Byler, daughter in law Brenda Byler, 13 grandchildren, Casey (Elizabeth), Rocky, Delaney, Lacee, Emily, Lydia, Rachel, Elaina, Luke, Isaiah, Matthew, Caleb, and Landon, great grandchildren, Keegan, Tytis, Brycesynn, Myles, Oakland and Emma, a brother Elmore (Cheryl) Byler and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Brian Byler, 5 half brothers, Roy, Floyd, Rev. Frank, Dr. Arthur and Dr. Robert Byler and 2 half sisters Ruth Yoder and Mary Classen.
Relatives and friends will be received Friday, April 26, from 3 to 7 pm at Grace Sturgis, 300 Timothy Dr, Sturgis. Graveside services will be held Saturday, April 27, at 9 am at White Pigeon Township Cemetery. A Memorial service will follow at 11 am Saturday at Grace Sturgis with Pastor Luke Eicher officiating.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Strategic Ministry Partnerships International, 300 Timothy Dr., Sturgis, MI 49091. To sign Ozzie’s on line guest book and leave a message for the family visit www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.