Robert John Byron was born September 24, 1921 in Saginaw, to Clarence and Arminda Ruth Byron. He was the fourth of eight children, all of whom predeceased him. He died June 29, 2015 in the peaceful, loving care of Munson Hospice House personnel.

Rob graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw in 1939 and began his career with Michigan Bell Telephone Co. shortly after. He joined the U. S. Navy in 1943, graduating from flight school on New Years Eve. That night he married his sweetheart, Jean Aspin and they shared life until her passing in January of 2009.

Rob flew from several aircraft carriers while serving in the South Pacific during World War II, earning two Distinguished Service Crosses. During that time his daughter Barbara was born. His daughter Jill arrived after his return home.

Rob and Jean went to Tehran for his last years at Bell. When they left Tehran, they traveled the world. Upon their return to the US, he retired from Michigan Bell and lived in Gaylord and Englewood, FL. They bought a home in Traverse City and enjoyed going back and forth between the two northern properties.

An avid golfer, Rob loved sports and was a great morel mushroom hunter. He was Past Worshipful Master of the Saginaw Masonic Temple, and was active in the Elks in Florida. He was known for his quick wit and joke telling ability, which included wild impersonations of the characters in his stories. He loved to entertain. He was a great father who taught through example the value of honesty and integrity.

Rob's daughters thank Munson Hospital Fourth Floor Heart Unit, Hope Village, Munson Hospice House and his physician, Dr. Ethan VanTil, for the loving care they all provided Rob.

The memorial service will take place at 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 21 at the Old Mission Congregational Church, followed by a send off at the Old Mission Tavern. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Munson Hospice House c/o Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation, 1150 Medical Campus Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684 ( www.munsonhealthcare.org/foundation ), AC Paw, P. O. Box 94, Acme, MI 49610 ( www.acpaw.org ) or a charity of one's choice.