Al Z. "Sonny" Byler

Al Z. “Sonny” Byler, 76, residing in South Bend, Indiana passed away peacefully Monday, January 17, 2022 at Raclin Hospice House, Mishawaka, Indiana. Sonny spent his final days surrounded by loving family before losing a hard fought year long battle with cancer. 

Mr. Byler was born October 1, 1945 in Mishawaka, Indiana to Al S. Byler and Zelma Mae (Banning) Byler, who both preceded him in death.

Sonny is survived by his seven children, Kimberly Fuchs of South Bend, Kristopher Byler of Elkhart, Kelly Byler of Mishawaka, Kirk Byler of Elkhart, Kirsten Byler of Mishawaka, Colleen Byler of South Bend, and Cayla Byler of South Bend; fourteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his sister, Sue Byler of Largo, Florida.

Along with his parents, Al is preceded in death by his sister, Sarah Mullett; his brothers, Marshall Conrad and Frederick Byler.

Sonny was much more than a loving father, he was also known as a very ambitious small business owner by many: Al was self-employed for over 40 years of his life, as he owned Byler’s Auto-Motive before retiring in 2018.

Sonny proudly served our country in the United States Army. He was an extreme classic car enthusiast, and a member of the Pioneer Automobile Association and the Michiana Thunderbirds Club. Al loved cruising around in the two classic Thunderbirds he owned, in which he was awarded countless trophies after showing them off at several classic car shows in South Bend and other surrounding cities.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 24, 2022 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, and 12:00-1:00pm on Tuesday, January 25th at Palmer Funeral Homes – River Park Chapel, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, IN 46615. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at 1:00 PM. Masks are required during both visitation and funeral services. Palmer Funeral Homes – River Park Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. The family would like any memorial contributions to be made to the Center for Hospice Care and/or the Wounded Warrior Project. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmer funeral homes.com.

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