Obituary of Patricia Lenhardt Byers

AIKEN, SC – Patricia “Pat” Lenhardt Byers, age 85, passed away March 12, 2023.

Pat was born July 3, 1937, in Lancaster, PA to the late Harry F. and Katherine Lenhardt. The daughter of a Navy physician, Pat moved frequently while young, finally transferring to Penn State, where she met the love of her life, Larry Byers.

After graduation, Pat supported Larry throughout his twenty-one years as a US Marine Corps pilot, including service in Vietnam and other deployments. With Pat at the helm on the home front, they raised two children in southern California.

Pat, an avid tennis player, has been described as having the grace of Chris Everett. She was a purist who never succumbed to the thonk, thonk of Pickleball! The Byers enjoyed showing horses as a family, and made three coast-to-coast trips with four people and a large puppy sharing the front seat of the horse van.

Pat was a lady of grace and charm. She lit up a room with her infectious smile and quick wit; every person Pat met was instantly important to her, and all felt this specialness in her presence. Many have commented that we are all better for knowing Pat. She never complained; those visiting Pat in rehab after her broken hip were greeted with a huge grin, a thank you for coming, and a barrage of questions about themselves.

In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by a brother, Henner Lenhardt. Survivors include her husband of sixty-two years, Lt. Col. Larry E. Byers USMC (Ret.); daughter, Katie Bakken (John); son, Lawrence “Butch” Byers; three grandchildren, Matthew Bakken, Jacob Byers, and Jillian Byers; one sister, Kathie Buffington, as well as many close friends in the Aiken Community.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., March 17, 2023, in The George Funeral Chapel, with Father George Alexander officiating. A reception will follow the service. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will be at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to: The Hitchcock Woods Foundation or US Pony Clubs, Inc.

Arrangements by the Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801, 803.649.6234.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com