Byron Lahr, 93

Byron Jennings Lahr, 93, peacefully passed into eternal life with the Lord on Dec. 13, 2025.

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

Byron was raised in Missoula and graduated from High School in 1950. After graduating from high school, Byron attended the University of Montana — he was a true Grizzly fan — and 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 Oct. 10, 1954, at First English Lutheran Church.

Byron was a storyteller — 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 motorboat that he cherished and cared for. One day while watching hydro-plane boat racing on Lake Coeur d'Alene in Idaho, they drifted into the race lanes, and he quickly appreciated the motor immediately starting and retreating from danger.

Byron was an aftermarket car products salesman. His region included the plains of Tulsa, Oklahoma 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 lakes in Texas. 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 the 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 and 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 and 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 sons-in-law, 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.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Byron Jennings Lahr, please visit the Charles W. Smith and Sons Funeral Home flower store.