December 20, 1947 – November 18, 2021
Michael Gerard Byrnes was born in Rochester, N.Y., on December 20, 1947 to Dorothy Gloria and Norman Louis Byrnes. He passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2021 in Fishers, while walking his beloved German Shepherd, Buddy, who he recently had adopted, when he suffered a heart attack at the age of 73.
Michael grew up in upstate New York and was raised in the Catholic faith. He graduated from Augustinian Academy in Carthage, N.Y., in 1966 where he was a member of the marching band, earned varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball, and track.
Michael enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1967 and served for more than 10 years. He served in the Vietnam War, was in ROTC while attending Purdue University, and retired as First Lieutenant. Michael graduated from Purdue University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management. After graduation, Michael went on to work for AC Sparkplugs, a division of General Motors in Flint, Mich., where he started as a supervisor and worked for over 25 years, retiring as a Superintendent of Skilled Trades at Delphi Automotive in Anderson, Ind. He also continued his military service during this time, serving in the National Guard until he retired as a Major, with over 20 years of military service. In retirement, he worked part time as a realtor with F.C. Tucker and a substitute teacher at Noblesville Schools.
Michael was first married while serving overseas in Scotland and had his first child, Alison Bower Brady. He went on to marry Debra A. Byrnes, who he was married to for over 39 years, raising two daughters, Shannon Michele Byrnes and Kerrie Erin Byrnes in Flushing, Mich.
Those who knew Mike knew of his die-hard affinity for his Irish heritage and his alma mater, his cherished Purdue Boilermakers. He loved attending Purdue football and basketball games and faithfully supported the John Purdue Club for many years. He was a true American patriot, an avid reader, loved history, going for walks, watching his grandchildren play sports and showed those he loved his affection with his generosity. Mike was also an active member of Cyntheanne Christian Church.
Michael is proceeded in death by his mother and father, Dorothy G. and Norman L. Byrnes.
He is survived by his three daughters and sons-in-law; Alison and Mike Bowers of Dundee, Scotland, Shannon and Mark Weaver of Westfield, and Kerrie and Chris Siegl of Fishers; grandchildren, Brady MacPhail, Whitney and Welles Weaver, and Kaylie and Colin Siegl.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 3, 2021 at Cyntheanne Christian Church, 13151 Cyntheanne Road, Fishers, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m.
Michael will be laid to rest with his parents at the Black River Cemetery, Black River, N.Y., at a later date in the spring of 2022.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory/honor to the John Purdue Club at connect.purdue.edu.
Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.
Condolences: bussellfamilyfunerals.com