Karel L. Byers, 71, of Evansville, passed away Friday, September 9, 2011, at St. Mary's Medical Center.

Karel was a graduate of Central High School, Class of 1957. She received her Bachelor's degree at Indiana State in 1960 and her Master's degree from Indiana State in 1963.

She began her 40 year teaching career at Fairlawn Elementary School in 1960. She then taught at Washington and then Oak Hill, where she became a counselor. She finished her career at Bosse High School as a Counselor.

Karel was a member of Bethlehem United Church of Christ where she was very active. She also was a member of the McCutchanville Garden Club.

She was a devoted wife, mother, "Nana" and friend, and was an extremely loving and caring person. She was meticulous in her actions, conscientious in her beliefs, just in her convictions, dedicated to her family and loyal to her friends.

Karel was preceded in death by her father, Robert Stults.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, James A. Byers of Evansville; daughter, Alison Byers Tyler, and husband Phil Tyler of Lantana, TX; granddaughter, Kathryn; mother, Maxine Stults; and brother-in-laws, George Byers (Joyce) and Phil Byers (Joan); nieces and nephews.

Services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 6400 Oak Hill Road, officiated by Rev. Karen Knodt, with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may visit Tuesday, from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at Alexander North Chapel, and Wednesday from 10:00 AM until service time at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem United Church of Christ.

September 11, 2011
Jim, So sorry for you loss. Will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Dave Johnson

September 11, 2011
Jim, I am shocked and saddened to hear of your wife's passing. She looked so vibrant at the PHS class of '61 reunion. My thoughts are with you.
Dr. Mary Jane Rothert Howard
PHS Class of '61 (I used to ride to Evansville with you to stay with my sister)
Mary Jane Rothert Howard, Martinsville, Indiana

September 11, 2011
Coach, just got the shocking message from Joyce in Princeton. So, so sorry for your loss. She was a terrific lady--half of a terrific couple.
Gary Hamer, Oneida, New York

September 11, 2011
Jim and Alison: Sherry and I were very saddened to learn of Karel's death. We delighted in her as a neighbor, garden club member and as a friend. Our sincere sympathy to your family.
Dave and Sherry York, Lexington, Kentucky

September 11, 2011
Jim and Alison, Words can't express how saddened Julie and I were to hear of Karel's passing. From the first time I met her in Julie's shop, she was always one of my favorite people, and I will never forget how she lit up the shop on every visit. We both feel we have lost a close member of the family and we will never forget her. God Bless your entire family. Much love to you, Ubbie
Julie and Lou McCool, Evansville, Indiana

September 11, 2011
Coach Byers, we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Ginger & Ken Mills, Evansville, Indiana

September 11, 2011
 Jim, My heart is sorry for your loss of Karel. My you feel God's presence, His wonderful power of comfort to you at this time of sorrow.
In christian Love to you and your family, Peg (Derrington) Poston

September 11, 2011
Jim and Family: We were so sorry to hear the news of Karel's passing. We enjoyed so much visiting with her and you at our Princeton (1961) class reunion last week. She was a jewel. Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family.
John and Carol (Swan) Hyneman, Princeton, Indiana

September 11, 2011
Bless you Aunt Karel...I am sorry we did not see more of each other over the years. I will miss you.
Love you, Steve and Joan Byers, Encinitas, California.

September 11, 2011
I only get the Snday paper and occasionally read the obits. Today something abot the name set off a bell and I read it. Mrs. Byers was my 7th and 8th grade social stdies teacher at Oak Hill in 1974 - 1976. I remember I didn't like her mch, she was too hard even thogh I got all A's. Isn't it fnny how those are the ones who have the most inflance and teach their stdents to be better. Now I fondly remember her and the first research paper I ever wrote on the Sarah Desert. She was an excellent teacher and I will never forget her.
Belinda Brown Riecken Elberfled, IN

September 11, 2011
Mrs. Byers was my counselor at Bosse and she believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. She's a great woman! I am very sorry for your loss. Heaven is lucky to have her there.
Donald Inman Jr., Evansville, Indiana

September 11, 2011
I just saw this and am stunned. I just saw her recently. Mrs. Byers was my freshman and sophomore year counselor at Bosse. She was a great lady and always took interest in what was new in my life. You are all in my prayers. God bless and rest in peace Mrs. Byers.
Michele Rodriguez-Mansfield, Evansville, Indiana

September 11, 2011
Jim and Alison, how blessed we are to have had Karel in our lives. So many fun times at the Cardinal's ball park, touring the city and dining out together. So many great memories to hold onto. May your's bring you comfort at this difficult time. God bless you and your family, our heart's ache for you. Much love.
JoAnn and Charles Koonce, St. Louis, Missouri

September 11, 2011
Jim, You and Alison are in my thoughts, and prayers.
God Bless, Your friend, Scotty ~ Don Scott, Harrodsburg, Kentucky

September 11, 2011
My dear Alison so sorry to hear about your mom... Can't even begin to imagine your grief. Take care of yourself and your family. Will be thinking of you!
Elizabeth Biltimier, Peachtree city, Georgia

September 12, 2011
I am very sorry for your loss. Mrs. Byers was my 6th grade homeroom teacher at Fairlawn & she was always sweet & kind to me & an excellent teacher. A true inspiration. Your family will be in my thoughts & prayers.
Pam Matheney Schmitt, Newburgh, Indiana

September 12, 2011
Dearest Maxine, I know how your heart must be hurting for your warm, loving, caring daughter. Karel took me to meet you once, then I saw you again at Alison's wedding. She was always so proud of you and loved showing you off. I could see why she was, you were such a gracious, loving mother. God bless you. With deepest sympathy.
JoAnn Koonce, St. Louis, Missouri

September 12, 2011
So very sorry for your loss, Coach. Karel was such a special lady, and we enjoyed visiting both of you at the '61 class reunion. We send our sincere sympathy.
George & Malinda Gilbert, Princeton, Indiana

September 12, 2011
Coach Byers, I'm so sorry to hear about Mrs. Byers. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. She was a great person.
Kirk and Amy Sarff, Decatur, Illinois

September 12, 2011
Coach Byers: So very sorry to hear this news. We enjoyed visiting with both you and Karel at our recent class reunion. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lin and George Gilbert