Donald Byrne

Don Byrne, 95, passed away peacefully after a bout with pneumonia. Born April 24, 1927, he lived his entire life in Denver.

He was a devoted husband to Carolyn (nee Kallminzer) for 66 years, and survived her by over 8 years.

Don was the last surviving of 8 children to John L. and Emma, (nee Dillehay) Byrne. His siblings were Mary Callaghan (Daniel); Elizabeth/Betty Fattor (Lou); John L. Jr (Geneva); Robert; Louis (Selma/Sally); Francis/Frank (Josephine/Joni), then (Patricia/Pat); and Margaret/Margie Lee (Richard/Dick).

He was educated at St. Catherine of Sienna Grade School and Regis High School, both in North Denver, where he met his future bride, Carolyn, who always called him by the nickname of “Red”. As soon as he turned 18, Don volunteered for the Army, fully expecting to be part of the fighting in the Pacific theater. But while in boot camp, the war ended. Don served in Tokyo, Japan, at the end of World War II. Don and Carolyn married on St. Valentine’s Day, 1948. Don graduated from Barnes Business College.

In the 1950s and early 1960s, Don first worked at restaurants as an accountant, then was a salesman for Elcar Fence Company. In 1962, he was hired by Blue Cross/Blue Shield and was trained to program their Honeywell computers. He had a long career in programing, even helping to de-bug the Y2K fiasco.

Don is survived by his 4 children: Colleen Derrington; Chris (Bruce West); Steve; Joseph (Melaine); 8 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. He provided a safe, stable home life and Catholic education for his children, faithfully participating in the St. Rose of Lima Parish for almost 70 years.

He and Carolyn dedicated many years chronicling the family genealogy, including 2 trips to Ireland and 2 trips to Germany.

Don cherished his large, loving family as the most important part of his life. The Christian Family Movement (CFM) group also became a treasured part of his family’s life for over 60 years.

He managed to handle the challenges of aging with strong independence, grace, dignity, patience, and humor. He honored God as he lived out his life and shared his awe of God’s creation.

Services will be at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80227, January 13, 2023, 10:30 am.

Interment with Military Honors will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236, January 13, 2023, 2:15 pm Staging Area C.