Byron Birdsell passes away

Byron Birdsell, Monongah’s mailman for decades, passed away on Independence Day.

At the calling hours for my father, John W. Olesky, Sr., Byron told me how he appreciated that, on hot days, my mother, Lena Futten Olesky, always had a cold drink to hand to Byron while he was making his appointed rounds.

Byron Birdsell

That was before Byron was named Rivesville Postmaster. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1984.

His brother, Bill Birdsell, was closer to my age. Bill was legendary in Florida for his golf course management and expertise on grasses that could survive, and even thrive, in the Sunshine State heat.

Eugene Birdsell and Joan Birdsell Riggs are the other siblings.

Bill was in my 1950 class at Monongah High and achieved fame by riding me double while I was sitting on his bicycle handlebars down 50 streetcar station steps in Monongah without crashing the bike or smashing my head into the concrete or plowing into stationmaster Ted McDaniel’s workplace.

Bill married Fairmont Field Club pro Reggie Spencer’s daughter, Barbara.

North Marion grad Jim Birdsell, with the Monongah Volunteer Fire Department, is related to the Birdsells in Byron’s obituary.

Edwin Birdsell is Class of 1973.

Byron’s obituary:

Byron H. Birdsell Jr., 90, passed away on July 04, 2018, at Meadowview Manor in Bridgeport after an extended illness. Byron was born in Derry, Pennsylvania on September 16, 1927, the son of the late Byron Sr. and Zelda M. Birdsell. He is the last surviving member of his family; preceding him in death are his brothers, William Birdsell and Eugene Birdsell; his sister, Joan Riggs; and his sons, Gary Birdsell and Jay R. Morgan.

Byron is survived by his wife of 30 years, Carol; his son, Keith Birdsell and wife, Shelly; daughter, Valerie Sypolt; Carol’s daughters, Debra Arthur, and husband, Jim Heidenreich, and Kimberly Vandergrift; his mother-in-law, Cellesteen Clevenger; six grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He served his country in the Army, Navy, and spent 29 years in the National Guard. He will be remembered as a faithful and devoted member of the Taylor County Honor Guard. He retired from the United States Postal Service in 1984 as Postmaster of Rivesville; he enjoyed his retirement golfing, bowling, and for many years coached the Special Olympics.

The family would like to thank all the employees of Meadowview Manor for their kindness and care of Byron, Amedisys Hospice Care, and Taylor County Senior Center for their participation in his care. The family would also like to thank close friends and neighbors, Pat and Beth Tucker, and Amber Rowell for their constant assistance during his time at home.

Interment will be at the WV National Cemetery, Pruntytown, WV, where Full Military Services will be accorded by the Taylor County Honor Huard.