William Troy "W.T." Byler

William Troy Byler, was born on January 29, 1943, to William A. and Ruby Fleck Byler in Houston, Texas. “Pa” passed away peacefully with his wife and 4 kids all by his side in Bellville, TX on Friday, October 21, 2022, at the age of 79 years, 8 months, and 21 days.

Troy lived his younger years and attended schools in Houston - He loved calf roping and steer wrestling at the Circle 8 and Humble arenas. He graduated from Sam Houston High School, then went on to attend The University of Houston, and also worked for Southern Pacific Railroad in the Engineering Department. As a young man, Troy attended the Lindale Assembly of God Church with his family, where he met his soulmate, Merlene Ann Peoples. They married in 1963. This past July 27th they celebrated 59 years of marriage! They were blessed with their first child in 1965, Reesa Lenay; William Troy, Jr (Bill) in 1966; Beth Ann in 1968; and Jesse Lee in 1974. In 1973, together, Troy and Merlene began W.T. Byler Company Inc. in their home on Lilija Street in Houston Texas, which is still going strong today! Troy and Merlene moved their family to Chappell Hill in 1975 and Troy commuted to Houston every day until his retirement.

The things that made “Pa” the happiest were his Grandkids and Great-grand kids. Everyone loved Pa’s garden and his care packages that he would deliver around to everyone. His lifelong love of rodeo was evident by all of the years of dedication and hard work he put into the Youth Rodeo Association of TX (YRA), Austin Co.Youth Rodeo Assoc. (ACYRA), and the Austin County Rodeo Committee. Up until a few years ago, he was still working and was always regarded as the #1 - All-Time Great Tractor Driver!

Troy Byler was dedicated to his community and especially to the town of Bellville! Troy and Merlene started and led several ventures in Bellville, such as Rolling Oaks Skating Rink, Four County Auction Center, Kenneywood, Creekwood, and West Hills Subdivisions in Bellville ~in all subdivisions, the streets are named after Pa’s great grandkids~ and Faith Academy of Bellville, just to name a few. In 2011 the Troy Byler Baseball Field was named and dedicated to him for all of the work he did for Faith Academy.

Troy served on several boards & committees through which he enjoyed years of friendship: Charter Bancshares Director, First National Bank of Bellville Director, Industry Bancshares Director, Christian Faith Church Board, YRA Board & President, ACYRA Board & President and Austin County Rodeo Committee Board & President, Austin County Soil & Water Conservation District, Associated General Contractors, Associated Builders and Contractors, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and current member of Bellville First Church.

Troy is survived by his wife of 59 years, Merlene Ann Peoples Byler, daughter and son-in-law, Reesa and Randy Ueckert, son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Kerri Byler, daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Todd Keaton, son and daughter in law, Jesse and Kimmi Byler. Brothers and sister-in-laws, Kenneth and Darlene Byler and Glen and Reanay Byler, and special niece, Lisa Peoples Cernosek. “Pa” is also survived by 9 loving Grandkids and their spouses: Terri & Justin Maresh, Kara & Austin Rathbone, Kate & Trey Carter, Brenna & Caleb Smidt, Lynette & Rowdy Parrott, Troy Lee & Katelyn Keaton, KaryAnn & JB James, Blaze Byler, and Jayci Byler. Troy “Pa” was also blessed with 13 Great Grandkids: Jared & Garrett Maresh, Eli & Randi Alice Rathbone, Layton & Jack Lincoln Carter, Cru, Myla Pearle & Chaz Smidt, Pacen & Bayler Parrott (and one more on the way!), Trace Lee & Luke Keaton.

Troy was preceded to Heaven by his parents, William A. and Ruby Byler, in-laws, Floyd and Mabel Peoples, brothers in law, Floyd Lee and Roy Peoples, Grandson and Granddaughter, Will and Bailee Byler.

“Pa” had several very special friends that will never be forgotten for the love and dedication they showed during these past couple of years. Special thanks to Tammy and Kelsey Reese for their over-and-above care this past year.

Pallbearers: Justin Maresh, Austin Rathbone, Trey Carter, Caleb Smidt, Rowdy Parrott, Troy Lee Keaton, JB James, and Blaze Byler.

Honorary Pallbearers: Al Peck, Sammy Pierce, Bryan Vacha, Bill Sjolander, Gerald Tegeler, Fred Myers, all past and current W.T. Byler Company employees, and all past FNB Directors.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in W.T. Byler’s honor to:

Faith Academy of Bellville
12177 Hwy. 36
Bellville, Texas 77418

Youth Rodeo Association of Texas
PO Box 398
Bellville, Texas 77418

Bellville Medical Center
44 North Cummings
Bellville, Texas 77418