Robert "Bobby" Byers

Robert “Bobby” Byers was born in Massillon City Hospital on July 21, 1952, to the late William and Gladys Byers. Bobby graduated from Massillon Washington High School with the class of 1970. Growing up in Massillon, he was a member of the YMCA swim team and went on to compete for the Tiger Sharks. Bobby loved competitive swimming and was very successful, holding many Massillon school records, being a state championship qualifier as a sophomore, junior, and senior, and earning All-Ohio honors in 1969. His accomplishments earned him a place in the Massillon Tiger Shark Hall of Fame, as well as the Stark County Aquatic Hall of Fame. After high school, Bobby was employed by the Massillon State Hospital where he served in the shipping and receiving storeroom for over 35 years. Bobby enjoyed spending Tuesday afternoons with his friends at the Buckeye Club, having lunch every Thursday at T.J. Dillons, and until recently was a member of the Sons of Herman. Bobby had many, many friends in Massillon who will miss him dearly including Tammy, Daryl, and the servers at TJ Dillons. Bobby is survived by his brothers Bill (Sandy) Byers and Don Byers; his lifelong friends who were like family, Billy and Kathy Pritchard; a host of nieces, nephews, and great friends. He is preceded in death by his sister Ruth Beatty. A private family inurnment will take place at Calvary Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Bobby’s life on Monday, July 11, at 5:30 p.m. at the Buckeye Club in Massillon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bobby’s honor to the Massillon Tiger Swim Team.