Jeff Byers Suicide 30 years ago

[Stephanie]

It`s been a real long time since this happened.He was my cousin and I don`t really know where he is buried.If anyone remembers Jeff, please write back?My mother has no info.My family has never been too close.But after our grandmother passed away in 1979 Jeff,Jennifer and I (the cousins)all tried to stay in touch by writing letters.His letters were always happy ones.Then later that year he killed himself.My mother thought it would be best if I stayed at home and did not go to the funeral.It has always been in the back of my mind.What happened?If anyone remembers this .Write back. Stephanie

[Free Spirit]

Hi Stephanie,

I was in a class with Jeff at Ritenour High School.
While we were not actually "Friends" as one would say in High School. We sat next to each other and talked at times. He seemed like a really nice guy.
We were actually on the wrestling team together for a short while until I quit to take a job that interfered with me being on it. "Had to go with the money at the time."
I do remember his passing though, as I sat next to him in that one class it was sad to see his desk empty.
To be honest, I didn't attend his funeral or burial. But I still keep in touch with a lot of our former classmates and I will ask around to see If I can help you.
I can tell you though, as I looked him up in my old year book that he was in Orchestra, Marching Band as well as Wrestling.
Seemed like he had a lot going for him.
It really was a loss to all that knew him that he took his own life.

[Stephanie]

Thank you for writing me back.I know that it must have been something really stressing him out to do what he did.I never would have thought he would have ever killed himself.In his letters he sounded so happy and he had a new girlfriend and was working at KFC for spending money.I know he was burned by some hot grease at work and was having some trouble with his parents (My Aunt Jackie and Uncle Jack)but he really did not want to talk about it.We were all close when I was young,but after our grandparents passed away everyone shot off in thier own direction.I wish I knew where he was buried.I really need to go to his grave and put some flowers out.I feel guilty not going to his funeral.Thank you for letting me know more about him.If you remember anything else.Please write back.Stephanie