Byron Eugene Southwick, 91, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on a sunny Monday morning, June 28, 2021.

Byron came into this world at the home of his grandparents, Monroe and Rosetta Fullerton, near Buffalo, Missouri in 1929. He was born to Othel and Bessie Southwick, and raised by his father and paternal grandparents, Floreal and Mary Southwick on a farm, where he rode his horse to Gammon Elementary School, eventually graduating from Buffalo High School in 1947. Byron was a lifelong member of the church. He was baptized when he joined First Baptist in Buffalo at age 17 and joined Second Baptist upon his move to Springfield in 1950. 25 years later, in 1975, he was ordained as a deacon, and went on to serve Second for 30 years before joining South Haven Baptist for the last 30 years of his life. In addition to the church, Byron had a deep love of music and had been involved in choirs and his beloved Barbershoppers for 28 years. He was also involved in the Optimist Club since 1958, was the oldest member of the Crimestoppers Board of Directors and was involved in many other civic activities throughout his long life.

In 1948, Byron married his first wife, Barbara Merrick, with whom he had 4 children, Brenda, Rebecca, Elisabeth, and Bradley. While raising his family, Byron spent time in the insurance business; fundraising; concert promotions; and worked into his final years as a special investigator.

Byron was preceded in death by his brother Paul Ray; the mother of his children, Barbara; daughter Rebecca S. Bonnarens; Grandson Ryan Bonnarens; stepbrothers James and LeRoy Medley; Sister-in-Law Pauline Medley; Stepmother Opal Southwick; Brother-in-Law Tom Gargus; Son-in-Law Brad Davis; and his parents and grandparents.

He is survived by his children Brenda Davis, Beth Morgan, and Brad Southwick; his sister Nedra Gargus; 9 loving grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; as well as multiple nieces and nephews.

The family will receive guests at Greenlawn East Funeral Home in Springfield for a visitation on July 1st, 2021, at 9am, followed by services at 10am. There will be graveside services to follow at New Hope Cemetery, north of Buffalo, in Louisburg, Missouri. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.