Byron Lear, 85, of Aurora, Colorado, formerly of Bern, Kansas, died on Saturday, May 4, 2019.

Byron was born on May 29, 1933 to Chloe Amos Lear and Venner Lear, at the farm home two miles west of Bern, Ks. Byron lived and farmed the family farm, until late October 2010 (except for his time with the Navy).

Byron attended the Ehrsam Country School thru 4th grade; he then attended Bern Schools where he was given the nickname “Cotton”. He graduated in 1951. After high school, he helped his father farm and completed courses at Utilities Engineering Institute in Chicago, Illinois. He served with U.S. Navy Seabees, stationed in the Philippines where he was known as “Whitey,” from 1953 to 1957.

After the Navy he came home to farm with his father, until his father’s passing in 1967. Byron continue to farm various crops, raised cattle and hogs. For health and family reasons, Byron and Toby moved to Aurora, Colorado in October 2010.

Byron, December 1973, married Toby W. Martineau and instantly acquired two children: Roxanne age 14 and Rick age 8.

Byron was a member of the Bern United Methodist Church.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Venner in 1967, his mother Chose in 1976, and his sister, Beulah in 1996.

Byron is survived by his wife, Toby, of Aurora, Colorado; two step-children Roxanne Calderone of Grand Junction, Co and Rick Martineau of Los Alamos, N.M. and extended family.

Funeral Services will be held at the Bern United Methodist Church at 10AM on Friday, May 17, 2019. Burial will be in the Bern Cemetery, with Military Honors.

Memorials may be left in Byron’s memory to Bern United Methodist Church or The Denver Hospice,501S. Cherry St., Denver, Co 80246.

Lauer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .