Obituary of Eugene Wyles

Memorial services for Mr. Eugene J. Wyles, age 77 of Columbia, will be held at 2 PM Saturday, August 7, 2010 at the chapel of Riser Funeral Home in Columbia, LA with Bro. Stacey Wyles and Bro. Rayland Trissler officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 12 PM until time of service. Mr. Wyles was born in Gilbert, LA on September 27, 1932 to the union of Benjamin Franklin and Mary Isabell Coody Wyles and went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at his residence. Gene had a great love and devotion for God and his country. He served in the US Army for over twenty years and retired as a Major. He earned numerous awards for his service including: Combat Infantryman's Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 5 Campaign Stars, 4 Overseas Service Bars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Purple Heart, Ranger Tab, Parachute Badge and the Army Commendation Medal. He served one tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam. The statue at Fort Benning, GA that represents the infantrymen is modeled after him due to his great service. But, being the humble man that he was he always stated that the statue was not him but the infantry. Mr. Wyles also had an opportunity to take his life down a different path in the country music industry. He wrote and sang original songs and played the acoustic guitar. He performed at the Grand Ole Opry and had a song make it to the country charts. But, being the patriot that he was he chose a military life. Gene will be remembered as a great man who was giving and loving to all. He enjoyed his music and being in the outdoors hunting or fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother; Benjamin Wesley Wyles and sister; Odell Phillips. Survivors include his wife and longtime companion; Jeanette Wyles, three sons: Kenny Wyles of Wyola, MT, Ceivert Laforge of Prior, MT and Robert Byrd of Denver, CO, three daughters: Linda Andrews and husband, Robert of Dayton, WY, Rickee Faddis of Denver, CO and Terri Johnson and husband, Shannon of West Monroe, LA, sister and best friend; Imogene Powell of Swartz, LA, 21 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and his beloved dog; Sam.