Claiborn Earl "Clay" Byars

September 25, 1935 - September 16, 2017

Claiborn Earl Byars, 81, of Kansas City North, passed away September 16, 2017. Visitation with family and friends will begin at 4pm, Tuesday, September 26th, with a Celebration of Life Service at 5pm, both at Open Bible Baptist Church; 5401 N. Sycamore Ave, Kansas City, Missouri 64119. Clay was a gentleman’s gentleman; a man who loved his family more than anything and was proud of each and every one of them. He was born in 1935 at home in the county near the town of Shelbina, MO. He spent his younger years working on the family farm in Shelbina until he graduated high school and joined the Army. He completed his Basic Training at Ft Leonard Wood, MO where he achieved the rank of Corporal before leaving the Army to attend college. Clay enrolled in NE Missouri State Teachers College in Kirksville, MO and graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. After college, Clay moved to Kansas City and started working as an Accountant in Downtown KC. Throughout the years, Clay worked for Eddie’s Catering, The Playboy Club, American Family Insurance, Major Cadillac, was in the Real Estate business and finally, he found his home in the Mortgage Industry where he was still working as an employee for Assured Mortgage at the time of his death. Clay had a daily routine that he never broke, he was a hard worker from sun up to sun down. He was young at heart and had incredible energy. In his free time, Clay loved attending his grandchildren’s games, school events, birthday parties, family gatherings and playing yard games, card games and board games. He loved being outdoors; he enjoyed working in the yard in the spring and summer, raking leaves in the fall and shoveling snow in the winter. He loved firing up his grill to fix burgers and brats for family and friends, he was The Grill Master! He especially loved grilling while tailgating at KC Chiefs Games! Clay was very active in various community organizations throughout the years including Harvesters, The Optimist Club, Odd Fellows and The Community Blood Center. Clay was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Lillian Byars; his father-in-law, Robert Bell III and mother-in-law, Jean Bell; son, Eric Byars and stepson, Travis Beach. Survivors include his Wife, Sharon Byars; Brothers, Don Byars (Kathrine) and Keith Byars (Cathy); Brother-in Law, Brent Bell (Tracy); Children - Michael Byars, Lisa Mason (Shaun), and Kristal Ryan; Step-Children - Brad Beach (Pam), Lance Beach (Shanna) and Brandon Beach (Janee’); Grandchildren - Hayden Ryan, Nathan Ryan and Abigail Ryan; Step-Grandchildren - Blake Frischer, Evan Frischer, Drew Frischer, Sophie Beach, McKaylan Beach, Logan Beach, Hunter Beach, Kaine Beach and Jayden Beach. Clay will be missed by all who knew him, there will never be another Clay Byars. Fond memories and words of comfort may be shared at: www.CashattFamilyFuneralHome.com.