Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Don and I both attended Mountain Grove High School, Mountain Grove, Missouri. He was a year older than I(almost to the day) but for some reason he befriended me. I don't remember when we started running around together but maybe sometime late 1963 early 1964. He had a car and I didn't. He was living with his grandmother and I was living with my grandparents. We spent time together as teenagers and did things that teenagers do. I spent several nights at his grandmother's sleeping in a real feather bed and eating breakfast that his grandmother prepared. I don't remember her name. I didn't know Don as an adult but he obviously was very successful as a police officer and as a husband and father.
On this 44th anniversary of his death it is an honor to say I knew this man.
Rest in Peace Friend.

Ronald S Ramsey
Oakland, Tennessee

December 16, 2024

Sgt. Byerley,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Tulsa. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 15, 2020

Thank you for your dedicated service to the citizens of your city and your community, especially to your church. May your soul forever rest peacefully in Heaven. You will never ever ever be forgotten.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired.
New York State Police - Troop D

July 2, 2020

Rest in peace Sergeant Byerley.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 16, 2019

Don and I shared the patrol car, he was evenings shift and i was mid-nights. Don was a real policeman. He was more so a Christian who was a policeman. He is a hero and not forgotten.

bob

Sgt bob mieir ret
Tulsa Police Dept

July 16, 2014

I wish I could have known you as an adult. I hear people tell me all the time what a great man you were and about your sense of humor. I cherish the memories I do have, though most are foggy and there is so much I can't remember. I wish you could've known your grandchildren, met my husband, walked me own the aisle....so many things. Though you've been gone for so long, you will always be loved and remembered!

Kathy Byerley Graves
Daughter

June 17, 2013

We remember your service and your sacrifice.

Tulsa Police Academy Class 2012-103

APO J.D. Showman

November 19, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you.
The hurt never goes away, but both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest in Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 15, 2010

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 10, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 8, 2007

Rest easy Brother. We have the watch now.....

Senioir Officer D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly PD, Va.

December 15, 2006

Rest in peace brother, may God bless you and your family.

Patrolman

February 24, 2006

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero.

December 15, 2004

Don was a friend of mine. We attended the same church. A drunk driver killed Don and nearly killed his partner. Less than two years later, a drunk driver killed my 15 year old son in the same area Don used to patrol. Maybe if Don had lived, he would have arrested the drunk driver before he killed my son. I have had the honor of presenting the Don Byerley Memorial Award several times at the Oklahoma Buckledown Awards ceremonies. I see Don's widow, his daughters and his grandchildren at church about every Sunday and always think of Don.

Ray Hollingshead,Probation Officer(retir
Oklahoma Department of Corrections

Don was the kind of person who always seemed to be in a good mood. He could lift you spirits and change you day. He was a good officer and respected Sergeant, he will be greatly missed.

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs Police Department