Henry N. Byars, 76, of Marlow, Illinois, passed away at 6:00 a.m. Sunday, December 8, 2019, at St. Louis University Hospital, in St. Louis.

He was born March 8, 1943, in Marion County, Illinois, to the late Elza and Edith (Burge) Byars.  He married Sheila Chambliss on April 26, 1963.  They were blessed with 56 years of marriage.

In addition to his wife, Henry is survived by his children, Tammy Austin and husband Brad of Marlow, Illinois, and Craig Byars and wife Kathy of Mt. Vernon;  three grandchildren, Shane Austin and wife Autumn of St. Louis,  Zane Austin of Marlow, and Maria Byars of Mt. Vernon; one sister, Betty Austin and husband Lavern of Mt. Vernon;  one brother, Edgar Byars and wife Janet of Texico;  several nieces and nephews;  and a four-legged buddy of fourteen years, Toby.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister-in-law, Ladonna Marlow.

Henry was a Christian, and a member of Panther Fork Missionary Baptist Church of Texico.  He was a song leader for many years, and a trustee at the church.

He worked as a mechanic at Johnson Motors, Brehm-Hanna Chevrolet, and Precision National in Mt. Vernon.  He owned and operated Byars Auto and Truck Repair in Dix, for 42 years, before retiring.  Henry enjoyed antique cars and trucks, going to antique tractor shows, riding four wheelers, and any type of work.   He treasured spending time with family and friends, and his close friends of Marlow, Illinois.  Henry loved his family dearly, and will be missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services for Mr. Byars will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 14, 2019, at Panther Fork Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. John Ashby officiating.  Burial will follow at Panther Fork Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, December 13, 2019, at the Osborn Funeral Home in Dix.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Panther Fork Cemetery and will be accepted at the service, or by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830.  Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.