Ronald Leroy Byrum
August 6th, 1934 - October 20th, 2025
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
Ronald's Obituary
Ronald Leroy Byrum, 91, of Buchanan, passed away on Monday, October 20th, 2025, at Buchanan Meadows surrounded by his family.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 am on Monday, October 27th, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 212 West Front St., Buchanan, MI with Rev. Daniel Barz officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, from 10-11 am also at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Buchanan.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel, Buchanan. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
Ron was born on August 6, 1934, to Clifford and Estella (Plumley) Byrum in Benton Twp., MI. He graduated from Niles High School, class of 1952.
From a young age, Ron learned the value of hard work while helping at his grandparents’ lawnmower business in Niles, memories he fondly recalled throughout his life. He later dedicated many years to HeathZenith, where he worked in the maintenance department.
On October 20th, 1956, Ron married the love of his life, June R. Zelmer at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Buchanan where he was a longtime member. They never missed a wedding anniversary spent together, Ron passed away on the morning of their 69th wedding anniversary, following June’s passing just a few months earlier on July 13th, 2025.
Ron honorably served in the United States Army Reserves for eight years, including six months at Ft. Knox as a Tank Commander. Ron was honorably discharged on May 22nd, 1961.
He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and treasured countless trips to Corey Lake with his family. He also enjoyed a lot of hunting over the years, but above all, he cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, who brought him immense joy.
Ron is survived by his son, Michael (Nancy) Byrum; daughter, Sandra (Craig) Best; grandchildren, Shannon Byrum, Molly Byrum, Katherine (Jermaine) Woods, Ronald DeFreez, Richard DeFreez, Carissa Hawkins, Brandon Hawkins; great-grandchildren, Jaxson and Julia; sister, Virginia (Frank) Dempsey; sister-in-law, Barbara Norton and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Estella Byrum; daughter, Amelia (Scott) Hawkins; granddaughter, Kristina DeFreez; brother, Darryl Byrum and brother-in-law, Lavon Zelmer
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 am on Monday, October 27th, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 212 West Front St., Buchanan, MI with Rev. Daniel Barz officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, from 10-11 am also at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Buchanan.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel, Buchanan. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
Ron was born on August 6, 1934, to Clifford and Estella (Plumley) Byrum in Benton Twp., MI. He graduated from Niles High School, class of 1952.
From a young age, Ron learned the value of hard work while helping at his grandparents’ lawnmower business in Niles, memories he fondly recalled throughout his life. He later dedicated many years to HeathZenith, where he worked in the maintenance department.
On October 20th, 1956, Ron married the love of his life, June R. Zelmer at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Buchanan where he was a longtime member. They never missed a wedding anniversary spent together, Ron passed away on the morning of their 69th wedding anniversary, following June’s passing just a few months earlier on July 13th, 2025.
Ron honorably served in the United States Army Reserves for eight years, including six months at Ft. Knox as a Tank Commander. Ron was honorably discharged on May 22nd, 1961.
He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and treasured countless trips to Corey Lake with his family. He also enjoyed a lot of hunting over the years, but above all, he cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, who brought him immense joy.
Ron is survived by his son, Michael (Nancy) Byrum; daughter, Sandra (Craig) Best; grandchildren, Shannon Byrum, Molly Byrum, Katherine (Jermaine) Woods, Ronald DeFreez, Richard DeFreez, Carissa Hawkins, Brandon Hawkins; great-grandchildren, Jaxson and Julia; sister, Virginia (Frank) Dempsey; sister-in-law, Barbara Norton and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Estella Byrum; daughter, Amelia (Scott) Hawkins; granddaughter, Kristina DeFreez; brother, Darryl Byrum and brother-in-law, Lavon Zelmer
Memorial Contributions
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.