Bernard W. Byrum, Jr.

Bernard “Bernie” W. Byrum Jr., 82, of Perrysburg, OH passed away due to complications from lung cancer on February 3, 2018, surrounded by loving family at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Toledo, OH. Bernie was born in Richmond, Indiana to parents Bernard W. Byrum Sr. and Violet May (Ryan) Byrum. He married his wife Joyce E. (Conarroe) Byrum on July 26, 1958 and they had two children, Karin and Glenn. Bernie attended Richmond Senior High School where he played violin in the school orchestra. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves as a young man. Bernie attended Purdue University where he obtained both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and later attended the University of Toledo, earning a master’s in Business Administration. Bernie and his wife lived in Fort Wayne, Indiana for 11 years where he worked at ITT Industrial Co. as an Electrical Engineer. He moved with his family to Toledo in 1970 to work at Owens-Illinois as an Electrical Engineer. He was one of the founders of EPI Global (Electro-Plasma Inc.) in Millbury, OH in 1978 and became known for his work there on plasma display systems. Bernie was a long time member of the Church of Saint Andrew United Methodist in Toledo, OH where he was a member of the choir and the Joyful News Quartet, as well as performed duties as church treasurer for many years. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of Toledo, through which he mentored high school students. Bernie and his wife enjoyed many visits to the Gatlinburg, TN area and the Smoky Mountains, as well as traveling around the country in their motorhome. Bernie also enjoyed astronomy, golf, and family events. He loved spaghetti and his wife’s pumpkin pie. Bernie is preceded in death by his sisters Barbara Hood, Mona Study, and parents Bernard W. Byrum Sr. and Violet May (Ryan) Byrum. He is survived by his wife, Joyce E. (Conarroe) Byrum, children Karin (Tim) Graff and Glenn (Debbie) Byrum, sisters Mary Lou Clark and Marcia Walters, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service to be held Saturday, February 24th at 11 am at Church of Saint Andrew United Methodist at 3620 Heatherdowns Blvd in Toledo, OH, with lunch to follow. walterfuneralhome.com