Former Minden Mayor Noel E. “Gene” Byars was laid to rest Monday, April 1, 2024 in Minden. Byars was mayor from 1983 until 1989.

Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. at Eastside Missionary Baptist Church in Minden, with Bro. Scott O’Rear officiating. Interment followed at Gardens of Memory Cemetery under the direction of Rose Neath Funeral Home. 

Byars was born July 4, 1939, in Minden and entered into rest March 28, 2024, in Minden.

According to his obituary, he graduated from Minden High School in 1957. Attended Louisiana Tech University where he was the 1st All-American Archer. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. He became an educator, in and out of the classroom, in Louisiana and Texas, for 30+ years. He also attended The University of Sarasota, Florida where he received his Doctorate of Education degree. He was a devoted son, husband, and father and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Cecilia O’Rear and his parents, N.R. and Thelma Byars.

He is survived by his sons, Noel Eugene Byars, Jr. (Katerena) of Tx, Tim Byars of TN, and Richard (Randy) Byars (Kristin) of TX; daughter, JoAnna Haynes (Danny) of Minden; sisters, Rolene Camp and Barbara Reagan both of Minden; brother-in-laws, Mike O’Rear and J.L. Barnard; grandchildren; Kris Marks (Jessica), Keli Weems, Erin Byars, Matt Byars (Tara), Stephanie Cook (Nathan), Sara Beth Lewis (Michael), Jenna Durkin (Cole), Andie Wright (Jonathan), Mary Catherine Leisey (Eric), Joshua Byars, Logan Byars, Rebecca Silcox (Jon), Baylee Tingle (David), Caleb Byars, Ally Kate Byars, Brady Byars, Tyler Byars, Gracie Byars, and 23 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were grandsons, Matthew Byars, Logan Byars, Caleb Byars, Brady Byars, Tyler Byars, Kris Marks, and Joshua Byars.