Obituary of Paul Byrne

Paul "Mike" Byrne, 71, of State College, PA passed away on August 14, 2012 in Washington DC. He was born in Webster Springs, WV on June 17, 1941, the son of Paul Norman and Gathel Green Byrne. He was a 1959 graduate of Webster Springs High School and University of Maryland. Mike enlisted in the Navy in 1959 and served on active duty for 20 years. His service took him around the world including tours in Germany, Japan, Turkey and Vietnam. After retiring from the Navy, he spent the last 33 years continuing his service to our country in the private sector. His work made a difference and his life and passion for serving his country touched many people around the world. Mike was an avid outdoorsman. His passion for hunting and fishing came as a child, growing up in the mountains of West Virginia. Mike loved nothing more than hunting with his sons or friends. He was married on September 1, 1962 to Patricia Rowley. For 50 years Mike has had his wife Pat by his side and saw the world together. They loved to travel and spend time with family. He was a great husband, father, brother, grandfather and patriot. In addition to his wife Pat he is survived by his sons, Doug Byrne and his wife, Linda, of Charlotte, NC, Norman Byrne and his wife, Jennifer, of Alexandria, VA and a sister Jane Jones, of Morgantown, WV. Mike is also survived by three grandchildren, Griffin, Linden and Alexis Byrne. Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 17, 2012 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St, State College. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 18, 2012 at the State College Assembly of God, 2201 University Drive, State College, with Pastor Bill Ellis officiating. Burial will be in Graysville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to either the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or the State College Salvation Army, 3091 Enterprise Dr. #100, State College, PA 16801. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.