Joseph W Byler

Joseph W Byler of Dover, Delaware passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. At the age of 99, Joe approached his final days unafraid and confident, his quick wit and humor remaining with him to the very end.

Joe was born on September 2, 1926 in Dover, Delaware to William A and Mary Ann (Yoder) Byler.   

In 1945 he married Amanda Bontrager, and together they raised nine children. Driven by their faith, Joe and Amanda centered their lives around their family, their church, and their community. A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Joe was an active participant at Maranatha Fellowship. 

Joe worked as a building contractor, a trade through which he expressed both skill and creativity. His craftsmanship extended beyond business, as he helped lead building programs for Greenwood Mennonite School, Central Mennonite Church, Central Christian School, and Maranatha Fellowship. Joe found great joy in creative woodworking, often crafting special pieces for his children and grandchildren. 

In 1974, Joe and Amanda founded Byler’s Store, which became a significant part of the West Dover community. He started selling wood stoves in 1978, and Byler’s Stove Shoppe was later established.  He found joy in the retail business, establishing long-term relationships with vendors, customers, and employees. 

Joe prioritized time with his family, enjoying fishing trips to the Delaware Bay and camping in the Blue Ridge mountains. He loved music, and he could often be found with a grin on his face, surrounded by children, an accordion on his knee. Joe made music a part of the legacy he passed on to his children. In his later years, he deeply appreciated being surrounded by family as they worshiped together.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife Amanda, along with two daughters, Alta Nisly and Phyllis Maust; grandchildren Baby Lapp, Ericka Byler, and Steven Christophel; sixteen older brothers and sisters; and one younger half-brother. 

He is survived by his children: Ida Mae Lapp, Esther Bontrager Kurtz, Mary Ann (Kirk) Christophel, Erma (Paul) Yoder, Joseph (Naomi) Byler, Sharon (Harold) Kropf, and Lyndon (Jolene) Byler; a half-brother, Bennie Byler; 41 grandchildren, 98 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great grandchildren.

Joe Byler will be remembered for his steady faith. His life bore witness to the grace of the Savior in whose presence he now rests. 

Viewing will be Sunday, April 26, 2026 at the Maranatha Fellowship Church, 60 Deer Track Lane, Dover, Delaware from 2-5 pm and 6-8 pm.

Service will be at 10:00 am Monday, April 27, 2026 at the Maranatha Fellowship Church.  Burial will follow at Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover, Delaware.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Ericka Byler Memorial Scholarship Fund;  at https://rosedale.edu/donate/ or mailed  to Rosedale Bible College  2270 Rosedale Road  Irwin, OH   43029.

Letters of condolences can be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com

Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you.

Isaiah 46:4

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