Noel E. "Gene" Byars

Funeral services for Noel E. “Gene” Byars will be held Monday, April 1, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Eastside Missionary Baptist Church in Minden, Louisiana with Bro. Scott O’Rear officiating. Interment will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden, Louisiana under the direction of Rose Neath Funeral Home in Minden. The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. Monday at the church prior to the time of service.

Gene was born July 4, 1939, in Minden, Louisiana and entered into rest March 28, 2024, in Minden, Louisiana.

He graduated from Minden High School in 1957. Attended Louisiana Tech University where he was the 1^st All-American Archer. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. He became an educator, in and out of the classroom, in Louisiana and Texas, for 30+ years. He also attended The University of Sarasota, Florida where he received his Doctorate of Education degree. In 1983 he became the Mayor of Minden until 1989. He was a devoted son, husband, and father and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Cecilia O’Rear and his parents, N.R. and Thelma Byars.

He is survived by his sons, Noel Eugene Byars, Jr. (Katerena) of Tx, Tim Byars of TN, and Richard (Randy) Byars (Kristin) of TX; daughter, JoAnna Haynes (Danny) of Minden; sisters, Rolene Camp and Barbara Reagan both of Minden; brother-in-laws, Mike O’Rear and J.L. Barnard; grandchildren; Kris Marks (Jessica), Keli Weems, Erin Byars, Matt Byars (Tara), Stephanie Cook (Nathan), Sara Beth Lewis (Michael), Jenna Durkin (Cole), Andie Wright (Jonathan), Mary Catherine Leisey (Eric), Joshua Byars, Logan Byars, Rebecca Silcox (Jon), Baylee Tingle (David), Caleb Byars, Ally Kate Byars, Brady Byars, Tyler Byars, Gracie Byars, and 23 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Matthew Byars, Logan Byars, Caleb Byars, Brady Byars, Tyler Byars, Kris Marks, and Joshua Byars.

We would like to thank St. Joseph Hospice and his 2 sitters, Tammy and Tequilla.