Associate honored posthumously with signage

By DLA Land and Maritime Public Affairs | DLA Land and Maritime Public Affairs | October 11, 2016

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On Saturday, October 8, the community, family and friends of Stephen Byus came together to remember him with a ceremony and unveiling of a new sign. Senate Bill 182, which was enacted earlier this year, named State Route 93 from the boundaries of the City of Wellston to the Village of Coalton as the “Lieutenant Stephen Byus Memorial Highway.”

On Saturday, October 8, the community, family and friends of Stephen Byus came together to remember him with a ceremony and unveiling of a new sign. Senate Bill 182, which was enacted earlier this year, named State Route 93 from the boundaries of the City of Wellston to the Village of Coalton as the “Lieutenant Stephen Byus Memorial Highway.” (Photo by Jeremiah Shaver)


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Stephen Byus was honored posthumously with State Route 93 from the boundaries of the City of Wellston to the Village of Coalton as the “Lieutenant Stephen Byus Memorial Highway.”

Stephen Byus was honored posthumously with State Route 93 from the boundaries of the City of Wellston to the Village of Coalton as the “Lieutenant Stephen Byus Memorial Highway.” (Photo by Charles Morris)


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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- On a sunny, breezy fall Saturday afternoon, the community gathered at the Wellston City Building for a dedication ceremony honoring the late Lieutenant Stephen F. Byus.

In September 2014, the community said their final farewell to Byus, a Wellston native who was killed in Afghanistan. Byus, 39, grew up on Wellston’s Michigan Avenue, and he died on Tuesday, September 16, 2014, in Kabul, Afghanistan, from injuries received from a suicide bomber attack.

Byus had volunteered to assist the Afghan National Army in improving its logistics capabilities. He was employed by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and had been deployed from DLA Land and Maritime in Columbus.

On Saturday, October 8, the community, family and friends of Byus came together to remember him with a ceremony and unveiling of a new sign.

Senate Bill 182, which was enacted earlier this year, named State Route 93 from the boundaries of the City of Wellston to the Village of Coalton as the “Lieutenant Stephen Byus Memorial Highway.”

The event overall was a celebration of the life and sacrifice that Lt. Byus made for his community and country.

During the event, there were several remarks and reflections given by people who called Byus their friend, brother and colleague. The emcee for the event was John Pelletier.

Todd Dupree and Nick Rupert II, both childhood friends of Byus, gave reflections.

“Two years ago we gathered to celebrate Stephen’s life, his honor and sacrifice,” Dupree recalled. “We shared plenty of superlative’s about how he lived his life as a family man, soldier, employee, and a human being.”

Dupree said, “This sign does not bring Stephen back, take away any of the pain or suffering by those who love or miss him, but it will certainly serve as a reminder to his commitment to service and sacrifice. It will allow us to always remember a small town kid who grew up on Michigan Avenue in Wellston.”

Following Dupree, was Rupert II who said, “Since that day two years ago, I remember Stephen daily... whether it’s seeing a movie, hearing a song or driving through Wellston. I am proud to call Stephen my friend, my brother, and am so thankful for his friendship.”

Jon Hensler sung “God Bless America.” Then some sentiments were expressed by Acting Commander of Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime James M. McClaugherty, Stephen’s brother Matthew Byus, and State Representative Ryan Smith.

McClaugherty explained that the Defense Logistics Agency has not forgotten Byus. Byus was inducted in the Columbus’ Defense Logistics Agency Hall of Fame and also had a building dedicated to him at the agency.

Matthew first read a letter from Steve Price, and then he spoke about his brother.

Smith then spoke and explained that State Senator Bob Peterson (R) could not attend the event due to a scheduling conflict. According to Smith, Peterson was very instrumental in helping get the bill through the Senate.

“It’s hard to find the right words,” said Smith. “I will never forget the feeling I had seeing the outpouring of support from this community, wrapping their arms around the family and comforting them in their time of need.”

Smith added, “Some things should never be forgot ... with the signs on State Route 93 from Wellston to Coalton, I hope it reminds everybody all the time.”

Following Smith’s comments was the unveiling of the “Lieutenant Stephen Byus Memorial Highway” sign.

The event wrapped up with the community joining family and friends for refreshments following the ceremony.

Note: This article was written by Jeremiah Shaver, who's the Assistant Editor of The Jackson County Times-Journal.
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