Kenneth Byard

KENNETH “SNOOPY” BYARD, 74, of Arcola, IL passed away at 2:05 P.M. Monday, December 22, 2008 at his residence in Arcola, IL.

Ken was born on March 4, 1934 in Champaign, IL. He was the son of Earl Kenneth and N. Ruth (Winters) Byard. He married Sonja (Wimer) Lawson on October 28, 1965 in Brunswick, GA.

He is survived by his wife Sonja of Arcola, IL; two sons, Ken Byard Jr. and his wife Nancy and Kevin Byard and his fiancé April McCormick all of Arcola, IL; one daughter, Debra Sisk of Arcola, IL; two stepsons, Terry Lawson and his wife Jill of Bement, IL and Mike Lawson and his wife Joan of Monticello, IL; his mother, Ruth Byard of Arcola, IL and two sisters, Marliss Gregerson and her husband Joe of Tolono, IL and Phyliss Howard of San Diego, CA. thirteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father.

Ken graduated from Urbana High School. He was an Army Veteran. He had worked with his father and his uncle at the Urbana Pure Milk Co. and the Byard Rug Co. of Champaign, IL. He was a professional charter bus driver for many years. He was co-owner of Snoopy’s 45 Tavern in Arcola, IL for 20 years. After he retired, he drove a school bus for the Arcola School District.

Ken was a member of the Moose in Tuscola, IL, a life member of the Eagles in Mattoon, IL and a life member of the Elks in Charleston, IL.

He enjoyed playing pool, bowling, attending a good auction, listening to big band and jazz music and watching his team, the Chicago Bears. Ken really looked forward to transporting Arcola students to and from different sporting events, school functions and even to and from school. He did this as long as he could.