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Kevin Randolph Byers
01/06/1982 — 04/08/2013
From Richland, WA, USA | Born in Richland WA
Kevin Randolph Byers
Kevin was born January 6th 1982 at Kadlec Hospital. He came into the world putting smiles on people's faces with how he got his middle name. He came out with such a red nose that his mother, Karen, wanted to name him Rudolph after the famous reindeer but in what Kevin described as the best thing his father ever did for him, they decided to give him the middle name of Randolph as a compromise. Looking back Rudolph may have been better because Kevin's light shone so bright and lit the way for so many people.
Even early on in Kevin's childhood he was always an active person, he was a dedicated boy scout, athlete, student and outdoorsman. He excelled in everything he attempted, whether playing baseball, soccer, basketball, roller hockey, as well as outdoors activities such as camping, fishing and hiking. He always found a way to do the things he wanted to do, even if their mother had specifically told he and Kris not to go down to the river alone to fish and swim, somehow he always found a way to get that time at the river. And he loved telling the stories of the adventures he and Kris had to friends and family.
As Kevin entered high school his athleticism broadened and he had a passion for wrestling and football. He was such a respected and accomplished student and wrestler that even today people remember him for his wrestling talent that he perfected by practicing on his younger brother at home.
Kevin was everyone's first call when they needed help. He was always ready to load up in his truck with his brother Kris and head out to wherever someone needed his help. This wonderful trait didn't end but grew stronger as he grew older and he was still everyone's first call for help. After he was married, this trait got him into trouble at times when inevitably someone would call for help as he was headed home and he would turn right around and head over to solve any problem.
Kevin was extremely proud to serve his country in the Oregon Army National Guard where he served 8 years as a medic. He achieved rapid promotions, graduated from Air Assault School, and was highly involved in his Unit's medic platoon. Kevin's awards and commendations during his time in the National Guard included a Bronze Star Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Air Assault Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Oregon Superior Soldier Award, Oregon Faithful Service Award, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal. He took his role as mentor very seriously and was always available for his men and their families and always encouraged them to apply themselves to their fullest potential even outside of military duties. He was genuinely proud when his fellow service men would succeed and had them in his thoughts constantly. From September 2010 to September 2011 he served his country in Iraq as a Convoy Commander and was respected and trusted by his entire battalion. From the stories told, even in the extreme conditions of Iraq he was quick to make people laugh or share a story about fishing and extend an offer to go fishing on his boat when they returned home.
Kevin was very proud of his family. His wife Britny was the love of his life and from the moment they met both would say they knew it was meant to be forever. Kevin and Britny met while working at Swift Rehabilitation and quickly became close. Kevin opened Britny's world to the outdoors, taking her sometimes grumbling on hikes that he picked especially for a beautiful view or taking her duck hunting and fishing with him. When asked about hiking with Britny he once said "I'd rather have her there whining than have her not be there at all." Kevin and Britny had two handsome boys together, Chase and Zachary, who look so much like their daddy. He was so in love with his boys from the moment he saw them and told everyone he met funny stories of things his boys said or did. When he was in Iraq he shared the pictures Britny sent of Chase with all his fellow soldiers and couldn't wait to get back home to take Chase fishing. When Zachary came along Kevin said "we need a bigger boat now for all my little fishing buddies!" Kevin was Britny's hero, her rock, and her heart and Britny, Chase, Zachary and their third and most needy child Thunder their black lab that worshiped Kevin were his entire world.
Kevin was also very proud of his brother Kris. Kevin always talked about how his brother "the science nerd" was so smart and how he was proud of him for being at his favorite college, WSU, even though when Kris was younger he was "confused" and rooted for the UW Huskies, something he never let Kris live down. Although there were times when they fought, as all brothers do, they were inseparable and talked daily about everything and anything. Kevin was always so much more than just an older brother to Kris, he was a mentor and best friend and whenever Kris needed him he was there.
Kevin, being Karen's oldest son and the take charge person that he is, was the driving force in the family. Karen remembers when Kevin was in preschool she was told he was going to be a leader someday and it has definitely proven to be true. In Kevin's life he was always a strong leader. He and Karen had very similar strong personalities which meant at times they clashed but there was never a doubt that there was a very strong love between them. He was always thinking of his mother and if she needed help, he was there right away. The special bond that Kevin and Kris shared was very special and comforting to their Mother. Karen took great pride in watching Kevin excel in everything he did, athletics, education, military, and his family life for example. Karen will always appreciate the gift Kevin gave her in his wife and their two sons, who she knows will grow up to be strong, brave and good men like their father.
Kevin was so happy in his life and that is largely in thanks to the friends he made along the way. He so enjoyed his time as a student at WSU and made many friends there with his outgoing personality and his desire to learn. That outgoing personality and desire to learn also made him many very close friends in the fishing community and he treasured every one of them.
He will be so greatly missed by everyone whose life he touched and his memory will always be present in our daily lives.
Kevin is survived by his wife Britny, sons Chase and Zachary, his brother Kris and mother Karen as well as a large extended family.
Donations may be made in Kevin's honor to a memorial fund for his wife and children at any Gesa Credit Union
SSG Byers was a good man, an awesome soldier, and an amazing leader – You will be missed greatly.
At a time like this may god and frieds give you the stringth too move forward but never forget the time you both had together.
He will be missed.
You were always someone I could look up to my prayers will go out to your family and friends may you rest in peace.
My most deepest sympathies to SSG Byers’ family and friends. I’m truly saddened by this great loss. He touched so many lives with his positive energy! Take comfort in knowing that he was a great man and a great soldier. CPT Carmen Nicely
You are in the thoughts and prayers of all of us at Washington State Universtiy – our students, faculty, and staff.
My heart was saddened when I heard of Kevin’s passing. He and I shared some good times and I was also the recipient of his expert medical care a few times. To Britny and the boys – Kevin will be sorely missed. May God wrap his comforting arms around you and your family and help you through this tragic time.
I did not have the honor of knowing him personally but i know that he was a great soldier and a loved individual. May he rest in peace and may his family have the strength they need for the upcoming challenges.
I will never forget all the stories that were shared at drill. You were a great leader and friend. You made me try and be better as a soldier, medic and person. You will be greatly missed.
A great Soldier will be missed.
You are in my prayers. He was an outstanding soldier who others looked up to. We will miss him.
I will always remember you for your calm demeanor when fighting through obstacles, your wisdom years ahead of peers, and the passion you showed towards life. You were a leader, a colleague and a great person. You will always be remembered.
Karen and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all…..Karen,everytime I look out my sliding back door, I say alittle prayer for you all…God Bless, Ruth
SSG Byers was a good man, an awesome soldier, and an amazing leader – You will be missed greatly.
At a time like this may god and frieds give you the stringth too move forward but never forget the time you both had together.
He will be missed.
You were always someone I could look up to my prayers will go out to your family and friends may you rest in peace.
My most deepest sympathies to SSG Byers’ family and friends. I’m truly saddened by this great loss. He touched so many lives with his positive energy! Take comfort in knowing that he was a great man and a great soldier. CPT Carmen Nicely
You are in the thoughts and prayers of all of us at Washington State Universtiy – our students, faculty, and staff.
My heart was saddened when I heard of Kevin’s passing. He and I shared some good times and I was also the recipient of his expert medical care a few times. To Britny and the boys – Kevin will be sorely missed. May God wrap his comforting arms around you and your family and help you through this tragic time.
I did not have the honor of knowing him personally but i know that he was a great soldier and a loved individual. May he rest in peace and may his family have the strength they need for the upcoming challenges.
I will never forget all the stories that were shared at drill. You were a great leader and friend. You made me try and be better as a soldier, medic and person. You will be greatly missed.
A great Soldier will be missed.
You are in my prayers. He was an outstanding soldier who others looked up to. We will miss him.
I will always remember you for your calm demeanor when fighting through obstacles, your wisdom years ahead of peers, and the passion you showed towards life. You were a leader, a colleague and a great person. You will always be remembered.
Karen and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all…..Karen,everytime I look out my sliding back door, I say alittle prayer for you all…God Bless, Ruth
My prayers go out to his family and friends. He was a friend,soldier and a brother in arms. His knowledge as a medic and soldier skills will be missed in his platoon and unit for years to come.
I will never understand why these things happen in life. A life gone too soon. Kristopher I am sorry for your loss. I remember the fishing trips with “uncle Brian”.Great times. Kevin helped me get back across the state when my car broke down…made sure I made it to my theatre performance :- thanks cousin Kevin for so many wonderful memories…you will be greatly missed.
My dear Karen…I wish I could do something to help ease your pain. I will pray for God to wrap His arms around you every second of every day until you see your dear Kevin again.
And Britny…may God bless you and your little darling boys with His peace and comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless your sweet little family.
I didn’t get the chance to meet Kevin but heard stories about thier wonderful family almost every week working with Britnys mom, Karla. Your loss holds a special place in my heart, my thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of terrible loss, god bless.
My prayers and thoughts are with Britny, children and family. May God hold you all in the palm of His hand and comfort and guide you through your difficult journey.
Karen: I can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through right now! I’m terribly sorry for your loss. While grief is universal, it is also very personal. Time and faith do heal. And you will always have those special memories of Kevin in your heart that will bring a smile to your face. May your cherished memories bring you peace and comfort through the days that are ahead. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I did not know Kevin long but I knew him well. I can say with whole truth he was one of the greatest and most honorable men I have ever known. From the bottom of my heart I wish to exstend to his family my most deepest and heart felt simpathys. I am truly sorry for ur loss. Lastly I’d like to say Kevin changed my life and I will never for him!
We didn’t know Kevin, but we do know members of his family. Our hearts grieve with you in such a loss as this, and our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you comfort and strength.
With the highest appreciation for SSG Byers service to his country and family he will be greatly missed.
Goodbye, compadre. You won’t have to shave up there, save me a fishing spot.
Terrible sadden by the loss… condolences to Family and Friends… our Organization will not be the same.
God Bless
He was a great leader and a happy person all around. He will be greatly missed. Prayers go out to his family.
I was saddened to read about Kevin’s untimely death. I worked with his mother Karen at Battelle in the late 70’s and 80’s. Karen: I remember you bringing those two beautiful boys into the world and how proud you were of them. I can’t even imagine the heartache you and Kris must be feeling. Just wanted you to know you’re both in my thoughts and prayers.
My Condolences to all of SSG. Byers family and friends. May peace be in your hearts and the amazing memories of an amazing man hold you together in this time of grief. My husband always talked so highly of SSG. Byers and he was truly blessed to have him mentor him as a medic. He will always be remembered.
We are deeply sorry for your loss. We are sorry we couldn’t attend the services, but are there in our hearts. God Bless.
It was my honer and a privilege to work with and serve with Kevin he will be greatly miss by all who knew him.
I’m so sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. I haven’t seen him since high school, but he was such a great guy. I stayed updated through the years on Facebook. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, little boys, family and friends. Heaven got a good one!
I enjoyed every time I worked with Kevin. He was always motivating others to work with a good attitude. It didn’t matter if it was the crummyist task ever, his aproach was always positive.
He will be missed.
SSgt Byers, as I knew him by, has always been my leader from when I joined the unit in 2007. Most everything I know of the National Guard was taught to me by him. As the constant leader of our group of medics, he was always trying to make situations in the feild better and when they couldn’t be made better he was there to rightfully tell us to “Stop whining” My Condolences to Britny and the boys, Ssgt Byers is a great leader and example.
He was a true friend, genuine leader I will miss him deeply. I definitely witnessed his true happiness when we went fishing. I will pray for his family, he was a great man.
You will be missed
God bless
Ssgt. Byers taught me alot about about my self and how to make myself into a better soldier; he was and forever more be a mentor with which i shall strive to immulate he was a soldier among soldiers a friend a brother and will be missed tremendously to you byers i will await to drink with you in valhalla my brother in arms
Karen, I was shocked and saddened to read about Kevin’s untimely death. I can’t imagine what you must be going through right now but I pray your memories of Kevin and your faith sustain you in this time of grief.
Dear Ones Karen, Kris & Britni,
Meeting Kevin through you, & your deep love for him, has greatly impacted my life. Such courageous & enduring love will certainly accompany & strengthen you as you tenderly carry Kevin’s legacy into the future. Hundreds of loving arms, created & inspired by God, embrace & uplift you. We truly weep with you,
as Jesus wept. Take God’s hand until that grand reunion and know each day how much you all are loved.
Guestbook for
Kevin Randolph Byers