Byron Jennings Lahr

Byron Jennings Lahr peacefully passed into eternal life with the Lord on December 13, 2025.

His faith in Christ guided his every step. Byron was born to John and Beata Lahr (nee Wudel) in Sheridan, Montana on July 7, 1932. He was baptized on September 20, 1932 and confirmed into the Christian faith on June 9, 1946 at First Lutheran Evangelical Lutheran Church in Missoula, Montana.

Byron was raised in Missoula, Montana and graduated from High School in 1950. After graduating from high school, Byron attended the University of Montana, he was a true Grizzly fan, obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration on June 7, 1954. When he attended college he was in the ROTC and after graduating Byron entered the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant and traveled by ship with his wife and car to Munich Germany.

After graduating from college, Byron and LaRene (nee Kisling) were married October 10, 1954 at First English Lutheran Church.

Byron was a story teller. Stories from real experience. He worked for the Montana Forest Service which was a source of harrowing and hilarious events ranging from an extremely overweight tribal leader on horseback to grizzly bear tracks going downhill as his team was going uphill. Byron loved the lakes of Montana, Oregon and Idaho. He owned a pink, no kidding, outboard motor boat that he cherished and cared for. During one day watching hydro-plane boat racing on Lake Cour delaine in Idaho, they drifted into the race lanes and he quickly appreciated the motor immediately starting and retreating from danger.

Byron was an after market car products salesman. His region included the plains of Tulsa, OK which was a stark contrast to the mountains of the Northwest. But the stories continued to include a road rage rescue of a coworker from a machete wielding stranger to reluctantly welcoming a long haired Okie boy into his home as he courted his daughter.

He moved his family to the Dallas (Duncanville) area as his career continued to grow. His sincere and engaging personality soon won over many rough edged Texas automobile industry customers. He towed the previously mentioned pink boat to the Texas lakes. To his amazement, the boat immediately began to have starting and idling problems. After much consternation and parts replacement, he diagnosed that the recent introduction of un-leaded gas to North Texas area was the culprit. Problem solved. He got a fine price when he sold it!

They quickly joined St. Mark Lutheran Church in Duncanville. He served our Lord as a church council member to leading the DIY classroom expansion committee. He was a sheetrock installation master. He was a meticulous painter.

The stories continue. They were best shared around a campfire and a beer or during a meal and a good glass of wine. A true treasure of humor, love of country, dedication to family, all the while giving praise to his Savior Jesus Christ.

Byron is survived by his spouse of 71 years LaRene and his two daughters Sue Cuellar and Tracy Felland, two son-in-laws Tony Cuellar and Karl Felland. He and LaRene have three grandsons Connor Cuellar, Mike Felland and Matt Felland and two great grandchildren, Esmay and Nataley Felland.