Byron Lee Canaday

Funeral services for Byron Lee Canaday, 92, of Gainesville, are set for 2:00 Pm Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Era Cemetery under the direction of Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 from 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Byron was born December 13, 1923 in Era to George Lee and Katherine (Roberson) Canaday. He passed away on June 11, 2016 in Denton.

He graduated from Era High School where he played quarterback for the Era Hornets. This is where he received his nickname Pee-Wee. He attended college at the University of Texas Arlington, later receiving his Bachelor's from North Texas State University in Denton. Byron was a bomber pilot in the United States Air Force, serving in Burma, China and India (BCI) during World War II. After he returned from the war, he later started working for National Supply as a light machine shop foreman for 31 years. This is where he met the love of his life, Laura Frances Beam. They married June 15, 1957 in Fort Worth.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Laura of Gainesville; son Kenneth Lee Canaday of Arlington; daughter Cheryl Brooks and her husband Doug of Callisburg; grandson Logan Brooks; sister-in-law Sue Mitchell of Gainesville; sister-in-law Gladys Beam of Leon, OK.; sister-in-law Mozell Beam of Gainesville; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter Karon Kay.

Byron was a loving husband, father, grandpa, and caring friend to everyone. He will be greatly missed.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Era Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 103, Era, Texas 76238, or to the Standford House.