DOWNEY- Ernest LaVar Byington, 76, lifetime resident of Downey, passed away Monday, August 19, 1996, in the Franklin County Medical Center, Preston.

He was born May 2, 1920 in Downey, a son of Ernest Lorenzo and Edith Christena Stones Byington. LaVar served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and was stationed in the European Theater, where he received two Purple Hearts in combat.

After the war he returned to Downey he returned to Downey and on May 2, 1947 married Fay Layton in Pocatello. They were later divorced.

He had worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for many years, and later for the Marsh Valley Hospital. He was well-known for his service to neighbors, shoveling their walks in the winter, and otherwise helping when needed.

He is survived by one daughter and her husband, Te Auna and Tom Newton of Downey; three brothers and spouses, Delmer and Georgia Byington of Downey, Farrell and Karen Byington of Lewiston, Idaho, Dale and Christine Byington of American Falls; two sisters and husbands, Erma and Earl Meredith of Downey, Donna and Dwain Martin of Pocatello; two grandsons, Tyler Drexler Newton and Austin Matthew Newton, both of Downey. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son and three brothers.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 22, 1996 at noon in the Downey First LDS Ward Chapel, Bishop W. Lavern Brim officiating. Friends may call at Horsley’s Marsh Valley Funeral Home in Arimo on Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Thursday at the church from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Burial will be in the Downey City Cemetery, with military rites accorded by the Downey American Legion Post No. 21.