BYRUM, William Eugene (Bill)

The Payson Roundup, Payson, AZ Tuesday, June 29, 2010 William Eugene Byrum 1933 - 2010 William (Bill) Byrum William Eugene Byrum, 76, died June 25, 2010, at the home of his daughter, Shirley Harshberger, in Glendale, Ariz., after a 2-1/2 year battle with cancer. He was born Oct. 11, 1933 in Larned, Pawnee County, Kan., the son of James and Clara (Dipman) Byrum. Mr. Byrum was raised on a farm in Hanston, Hodgeman County, Kan. He served in the Army from 1952-1956, and spent 16 months in Korea. Mr. Byrum was a mechanic and transmission specialist most of his life, and proud to fix anything put in front of him. In 1997 he moved to Payson to be closer to his children. He loved people, nature and life. He was an excellent cook, loved to entertain, and fishing was his passion. Mr. Byrum was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. On Sept. 24, 1955, in Colorado Springs, Colo., he married Wanda Lou Gregory. They were married 21 years, in which they had five daughters and one son: Shirley M. Harshberger of Glendale; Susan K. Byrum of Payson; Judy A. Cruz-Krusseff of Irvine, Calif.; Tanya R. McCord of Ellinwood, Kan.; Patricia L. Griess-Mulder of Chandler; and William E. Byrum, Jr. of Peoria. He was proceeded in death by his parents, three sisters and three brothers: Ruth D. Byrum, Leona K. Murphy, Lelia M. Johnson, George A. Byrum, James R. Byrum Jr., and John W. Byrum. He is survived by his six children, 16 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and his beloved dog, Bandit. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 30 at Best Funeral Services, with Rev. Billy Rouse presiding. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., June 29 and again at 1 p.m., June 30. Burial will be in the Resthaven Park Cemetery in Peoria. The family is asking those who plan to send flowers to please send donations to assist with funeral costs. Donations can be sent to: William E. Byrum (please address envelopes in care of Harshberger Assisted Living) at 7202 W. Libby St., Glendale, AZ 85308.