Wilma Gene Byler

W. Gene Byler, 87, of Bozeman, passed away February 22, 2017 at the Tobacco Root Mountain Care Center in Sheridan, MT.



Born January 8, 1930 in Jumbo, AR to Fred and Viola Byler, Gene was raised in Arkansas, California and Oregon. He worked as a sawyer and logger and fell in love and married the boss’s daughter, Maxine Hunter, on August 8, 1948. Together they raised 5 beautiful children.



Continuing his career as a sawyer and logger, Gene took his family to British Columbia, Canada, and Philipsburg, MT. He settled finally in the Gallatin Valley in 1975 where he owned and operated Byler and Sons Logging Co. until his retirement in 1980.



Gene was a member of the Montana Loggers Association.



In the early years while raising children, Gene played softball and coached baseball and women’s softball. He also played the guitar in a local country band.



After retirement, Gene and Maxine hit the road and traveled extensively through the lower 48 and Canada.



In later years, Gene collected guns and coins. He and Maxine also enjoyed bingo at least once a week.



Gene was preceded in death by his parents and 4 siblings. Survivors include his wife Maxine, his 5 children Lonnie Byler, Jerry (Thuang) Byler, Ginger (Steve) Christensen, Janis Cloward and Jimmie (Dareen) Byler; 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and 2 siblings, Musette Allen and Larry (Linda) Byler.