Gordon James Byers of Hollister, CA, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord on Wednesday, April 3, 2019, at the age of 94. Gordon was born to parents James and Margaret Byers on November 17, 1924, in Stockton, CA. He had an older sister named Margaret (Peggy). During World War II, from the years of 1943 to 1945, Gordon served with the submarine forces of the United States Navy. After the war he became a teacher at the Sultana Elementary School where he met a fellow teacher, Margaret Jane Sevier, and they were married on April 6, 1952. The couple lived in Dinuba, CA, and had three children, Lucinda (Cindy), Jonathan (Jon), and Timothy (Tim). In 1961 the family moved to Hollister when Gordon accepted a teaching position at the San Benito Joint Union High School. He served as an English teacher and was the head of the English department for many years. He also taught remedial reading and was the yearbook advisor. He retired from teaching in 1980 at the age of 55. After Gordons retirement he and Margaret enjoyed many trips with their house trailer and they did volunteer work with the U.S. Forest Service in the Stanislaus National Forest. He also was a volunteer at the Community Food Pantry and Hazels Thrift Shop. Gordon was an active member of the Hollister United Methodist Church for many years and later joined the Christ Fellowship Church (formerly First Presbyterian) of Hollister. Gordon is survived by his wife, Margaret; their daughter Cindy Boyer and her husband Jim, their son Jon and grandchildren Joshua and Catherine Byers, their son Tim and his wife Wendy, and grandson Ian Byers-Gamber. No funeral service will be held according to Gordons wishes. His body will be cremated in Hollister and later buried at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA. The family gratefully declines flowers and donations but prayers and condolences are gladly accepted.
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