Lowell’s Obituary Lowell James Byler, 89 Lowell James Byler, 89, a resident of Harrisonburg, passed away on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at his daughter and son in law’s home. Mr. Byler was born on March 26, 1929 in Goshen, Indiana and was the son of the late Clarence R. and Ida M. Byler. Lowell graduated from Goshen High School in Goshen Indiana.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Goshen College and his Masters of Music degree from the University of Michigan. Lowell completed his residency for his D.M.A. at Northwestern University, Evanston IL. Lowell was a well known musician, professor, soloist and choral music conductor in many church institutions.
He taught choir and vocal music at Hesston College, Hesston KS, Millsaps College, Jackson MS, Eastern Mennonite College Harrisonburg VA, Sterling College Sterling KS, Livingston University Livingston AL, and Tougaloo College Tougaloo MS. Church Director of Music positions held by Lowell were; Hesston Mennonite Church, Alexanderwohl Mennonite, Parkview Mennonite, St. Paul’s United Methodist Wichita KS, Sterling First Presbyterian, Canton First Presbyterian Canton MS, Briarwood Presbyterian Jackson MS, and Plymouth Church of Christ Goshen IN. In addition to his teaching positions and church positions, Mr. Byler also held administrative positions at Hesston College as Dept.
Chairman, Eastern Mennonite College Dept. Chairman, Excel Corp Employment Manager, and as the Church and Institutional Consultant for Mississippi Music Company. Mr. Byler was a member of the National Choral Conductors Guild of America, The National Music Educators Assoc.
and the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Mr. Byler was the director of church music workshops in Colorado and Pennsylvania. He also served as the Mennonite High School Choral Festival Guest Conductor on several occasions.
Mr. Byler’s solo performances were with The Bach Singers, The Jack Halloran Singers, Northwestern University Opera Theatre, Roger Wagner Chorale, Memphis Opera Theatre, Jackson Choral Society, Univ. of Southern MS, Univ. of Mississippi, Wichita Choral Society, Oklahoma City Choral Society, Shenandoah Choral Society, Augustana College, Goshen College, Geurnsey Theatre, Lancaster/Lansdale Choral Society, Tabor College Choral Society, Henderson Community Choral Society, and the Garden City Community Choral Society.
Lowell also was a composer and arranger of several pieces of music. He received the National Outstanding Educator of the Year award several times. Lowell really enjoyed tuning and rebuilding pianos in his retirement years.
On June 9, 1950 Lowell married Miriam K. Byler who passed away on February 12, 2017. Miriam and Lowell worked side by side as director and accompanist throughout their vast careers in music. Surviving are two daughters, Susan C. Weaver and husband Jim of Harrisonburg and Lori B. Reethof and husband Alex of Marietta, Georgia; grandchildren, Megan Hansen (Matt) of Hampton NE, Ryan Reethof (Nicole) and Cole Reethof of Atlanta GA, Max Reethof and Emi Reethof of Marietta GA, step-grandchildren Brian Weaver (Stephanie) and Katie Howdyshell (Josh) of Harrisonburg VA.
In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Byler was preceded in death by a brother, C. Leland Byler and a sister, Berdine Hoffman. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Mill Creek Church of the Brethren with Glenn Bollinger officiating. At his request, the body was cremated.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www. mcmullenfh.com. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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