A much-loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, and brother, Dale Byars, 72, of Alto, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on July 15, 1953, in Hastings, Michigan.
Dale attended Thornapple Kellogg Schools, where he proudly played football and wrestled. On January 21, 1977, he married the love of his life, Lois, and together they built a beautiful family, blessed with five children: Jamie, Holly, Nichole, David, and Michael.
He worked for Bradford White Corporation until his retirement, but one of his greatest personal accomplishments came on August 2, 2020, when he joyfully fulfilled his calling to become a local pastor.
Dale enjoyed fishing, hunting, reading the Bible, and working on puzzles. He loved God deeply and cherished every moment spent with family and friends. Known for his caring heart, helping hand, and the many stories he loved to share, Dale brought warmth and connection to everyone he met.
His legacy of faith, love, and devotion will continue to live on in all who knew him.
Dale is survived by his wife, Lois; children, Jamie (Scott) Nokes, Michael Byars, Holly (Paul) Bass, David Byars, and Nichole Smith; grandchildren, Israel (Isaac) Helmuth, Jericho Ashby, Bailey Frederick, Levi Ashby, Carter Bass, Benjamin Ashby, Ethan Bass; great grandson, Isen Helmuth; mother, Bonita Cronk; sisters, Norma (James) Pratt and Brenda Turnes; and many nieces and nephews and friends.
The family will greet friends and relatives from 6-8pm on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Elmdale Church of the Nazarene, 11830 Drew Road, Alto, Michigan 49302. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 1pm at the church, with visitation one hour prior, Pastor Brad Ashcraft officiating. Interment Bowne Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to support the family with funeral expenses in Dale’s honor.
8 Responses
Dale, my brother from another mother. You will be sadly missed. I love the fact that you found the Lord and Savior. You have a family that will miss you but the community will help support your family. Rest assured you will not hurt anymore. God Love You.
Deepest sympathy to the family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Great memories of Dale in Freeport and our class of 72.
Plan on being there
Lois, we are so saddened to learn of Dale’s passing. Be assured of our prayers for comfort during these difficult days.
And yet ….. in the midst of our sorrow…. what a gift it is that we have the confidence of new life for Dale in the presence of his Savior. Jesus has welcomed him to his eternal home.❤️
It grieves us greatly to lose a man we have called our friend from so many years ago, but lightens our hearts to find he lived a loving, caring life for his family while away from our clasping handshakes and hugs. God bless his soul, and those who love him. Dale is so very fondly remembered and is certainly missed.
May God guide his family with Peace.
Lois
Thanks so much for your friendship and support at GFS whenever others couldn’t or wouldn’t help solve challenges. No matter how our job responsibilities changed over the years you always stood tall proving that servant leadership was just a part of your character. You walked and talked genuine respect for others and exuded GFS culture beyond just words. Your Dale is now in a perfect place and he’s patiently waiting for you to be reunited.
Regretfully unable to personally convey my condolences to the entire family. It is nice to know Dale did not loose his story telling talent. As youth growing up in Freeport I can remember his ability for that talent and was nicknamed “story-time” by his many local Freeport friends. How little did we know He was preparing himself for a role as Local Pastor.
Praying for peace love and comfort to the Byars Family. So sorry for your loss