Obituary
Mark Lee Byler (72) suddenly passed away on August 26, 2025, in Knobnoster, MO, on a beautiful, sunny day in the countryside. Born in Omaha, NE, June 1, 1953, Mark was the son of Albert and Marian (Meyer) Byler. Mark is survived by his wife, Angie (Meyer) Byler, his son, Luke Albert Byler, and his sister, Judy Kay (Byler) Dunham. He is preceded in death by his children Rachael, Jordan, and Andrew, and his parents.
After graduating from Evangel University, Mark began graduate school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He was a resident doctor for 3 ½ years at the University of Missouri -Kansas City School of Medicine, earning his specialty in Family Practice in 1987.
During this time, he joined the Army National Guard (1980) and served for 32 years as a flight surgeon, ending his career as Colonel Byler at Whiteman Airforce Base in Knobnoster, MO. He was deployed 3 times to Iraq and Kuwait.
Mark’s professional career spanned 41 years, and occurred in both the United States, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. In the States, he was on the faculty as an attending physician at University Health Lakewood. In Kenya, Mark initially served while a medical student and resident doctor in the early 1980s. As a family practice physician, Mark first volunteered at Sanyati Baptist Hospital in 1989 for 7 months. During this time, his heart was ignited for Zimbabwe. He later married Angie, a nurse, and they served at the hospital multiple times for a month or more.
Then, in 2004, Mark, Angie, and Luke moved to Sanyati where they served as long-term volunteers through the International Mission Board from 2004-2015. During that time, Mark assumed the role of Medical Superintendent at Sanyati Baptist Hospital. Since 2015, Mark and Angie have traveled to Zimbabwe many times, filling in for doctors on sabbatical and providing practical assistance to nationals, fellow missionaries, and “the least of these.”
Since he was a young boy, Mark has enjoyed outdoor activities. This interest developed into a hobby as he and his cousins trapped small animals in the creeks around Omaha. Now, Mark’s passion for hunting and shooting is legendary, and he has a notable collection of mounted animal heads in his home.
His deep understanding of Christian moral values guided Mark in every area of life. He was a “doer of the Word,” known for his extremely high level of integrity, his sense of justice, compassion for the suffering, and his stewardship in all areas of life. Mark engaged with and assisted people from all over the world. As a soft-spoken, humble Christian, he rarely spoke of his deeds, so it is impossible to know Mark’s impact during his life. However, we do know that the Lord has kept a record and that Mark is receiving his well-earned reward for faithful service.
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Mark’s memory be made to Lasting Impressions https://www.lasting-impressions.org/donate .
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee's Summit, MO 64081
Angie & Luke…you both are in my prayers along with the rest of your family. I’m so sorry for your loss but thankful to know that Mark is in the presence of Jesus.
We are so sad to for you and Luke. We are praying that God will hold you close and that His Grace will sustain you.
Dear Angie and Luke,
We are so sorry for your loss. Mark has been a wonderful example self control, kindness and gentleness. He lead by example and I believe helped pave the way for me to go into missions work right out of high school. You and your family are in our prayers and we trust God’s great love and compassion will be your comfort and strength. May his memory be eternal!
Mark was a real Christian man. Praying for his family during this time of earthly separation.. Our hope is in Jesus and the reunion with our loved ones again one day soon.
Angie & Luke,
I was so sad to hear the news. Mark was a real Christian man. Praying for you all during this time of earthly separation.. Our hope is in Jesus and the reunion with our loved ones again one day soon.
Mark was the kindness. Compassionate, and merciful person. His thoughts and concerns were always on those in need.
Angie and Luke my heart aches for you. I know you were proud of your husband and father. Prayers of comfort for you. I am truly blessed having known and worked with Mark. He will be missed.
Till we meet again. Love Jerry
So sorry for your loss, Angie and Luke. What a great man your husband and father was. I always looked forward to visiting with my cousin, Mark. We’ll be coming, Lord willing, to be with you during this difficult time!
Mark was a true friend to me when I was a resident. He was a good teacher, kind, patient and practical. I am sorry to hear of his death knowing what a good soldier he was. Blessings to his family and close friends who will miss him this side of glory.
Angie & Luke, Words cannot express my heartbreak for your loss. Your comfort is in knowing that Mark is now breathing celestial air and walking on golden streets and reuniting with loved ones.
I read this tribute with tears in my eyes, mourning with you all about the sudden loss of Mark, while also rejoicing at the thought of a life well lived. Well, well done, Mark! I have treasured the lunches we have enjoyed together over the years and look forward to many more…until the Lord calls us all home, may we each be found to run the race that He has for us, whether here or abroad. Please know that I am thinking about and praying over you all! I love you guys!
Dear Angie, Luke and Judy,
I wish I would have known Mark longer, but can sincerely attest to meeting him once left an impression one similar to the description, all and especially his sweet spirit and a man of God, a man’s man. A lot claim to be but in one short time frame his spirit shined brightly. I’ll never forget that day, God shared his servant Mark. God’s plan for us is always the best becomes it come with his promises.
My prayers are with you all, a few verses for you over the next days and beyond:
Jeremiah 1:5, Ecclesiastes 8:8, Psalm 46:1-2
With empathy and love
Greg
Mark
I thank you for your service to Africa ,my motherland. May the Lord receive you warmly. You have touched many lives!
Rest in peace!
Praying for you Angie.
Phyllis Idun
Evangel KC
Dear Angie, Luke, and Judy,
I am, so very sorry for Mark’s sudden passing and your loss of a dear husband, father, and brother. Grief is difficult whether after a long illness or a sudden unexpected passing like Mark’s. You are in my prayers and will remain so in the days and months that follow. May the One who welcomed Mark to heaven also hold you close.
I was so sad to hear about Mark’s passing. He was a great doctor and I hope he considered me a friend. I thought he was great; kind, laid-back and funny. I am in awe of all he did during his life but he was always so humble. It seems like just a few days ago when I last spoke with him. I’ll miss his smile and gentle demeanor. I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. My prayers to Angie and Luke.
Angie & Luke,
My prayers are with you daily as you lean on the Lord. May His peace permeate your broken hearts. May God bring that comfort and direction that only He can. He collects our tears.. Julie
What a loss. He fought a good fight of faith and did mighty works in zimbabwe .may his soul rest in peace .will be foever missed
You will always be foever missed .you fought a good fight of faith .Heavens are celebrating .we will always cherish your good works .rest in peace
What a heartfelt and beautiful tribute to such an honorable man. Blessings to you Bylers.
Rest in peace, Mark.
Prayers and best wishes for peace, Angie, Luke, and all who love and miss him.
If there is anyone who needs a hand in heaven, I feel like Mark is on it.
Our loss is heaven’s gain.
Mark was one of my husband’s favorites at TMCE. Don would often come home and tell me of the deep and meaningful conversations they would have..Plus lots of fun! Great sense of humor, loved everyone, a big loss! Prayers go with you!
Debbie Weaver
Luke & family
It is with heavy hearts we learn of the passing of your loved one. You are in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time & the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Dana R, Dana B, Kristin & Deborah
Judy, Angie and Luke ~
I feel honored to have known Mark during his teen years. He was a good man, even then.
May you find comfort and peace, surrounded by those you love during these days of grieving. Hold each other close.
God truly is near to the broken hearted.
Blessings and love, Jeanene
Sorry for your loss Angie and Luke
My deepest condolences for your loss. I worked with Mark during my fellowship at UMKC in 2016-2017. He was one of my faculty, and a mentor. I really appreciated my time with him. He was such a good example of someone who loved Jesus and others in the workplace. I know he is dearly missed. At the same time, I know he is with the Lord. Praying for your comfort.
Mark and I went to UNMC together and we ended up in the same residency program at TMC EAST as well. We have done a few fun things together while in residency, including a memorable trip to Hawaii for CME where he had an allergic reaction to fish( he didn’t order it as he’s known to be allergic to it, but the pot they used to prepare his dish was used to cook fish just prior to Mark’s dish. So they said). I am sad to hear about his departure from this world but truly happy for him to be at his permanent home with the lord Jesus Christ.