BYRAM EARL "BARNEY" OLER, 94, of Springfield, died Friday morning, July 11, 2008 in his residence following several years of failing health.

He was born in Economy, Indiana on November 18, 1913 the son of Paul Scantland and Edna Velva (Chamness) Oler and was later raised in Williamsburg, Indiana.

He retired in 1971 from International Harvester after 35 years of service. Barney loved working in his garage at his workbench.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Willa M. (Thompson) Oler whom he married in Richmond, Indiana on May 2, 1936; five daughters, Sherry (David) Vance of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sonya M. Bussert of Springfield, Patricia L. Sumpter of Urbana, Bonita Sue Wipert of Springfield, and Damona Earlene (Carl) Ahlm of Springfield; thirteen grandchildren, Scott Vance, Karen Vance (Marc Amico), Damon (Cheri) Bussert, Kelly (Stan) Studebaker, Jan Armstrong (Robin Smith), James Sumpter, Jonathan Sumpter, Joel (Rachel) Sumpter, Jeffrey Sumpter, Kim West, Paula (Mario) Morones, Holly (Richard) McHenry, and Stacey Ahlm; and nineteen great grandchildren.

Also surviving is a sister, Marcena (Earl) Williams of Richmond, Indiana; a nephew who was raised as a brother, Delmas (Margaret) Keeling of Kansas; a sister-in-law, Maxine Oler of Lynn, Indiana; and many other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Josephine Carey and Lucille Ozbun; two brothers, Leroy Oler and William Richard Oler; and a son-in-law, Robert E. Sumpter.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4-7 p.m. Monday in the LITTLETON & RUE FUNERAL HOME.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home with Pastor Bud Rose officiating. Burial will be in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.