Nathaniel L. Byas

Mr. Nathaniel Lee Byas was the youngest child born to Marvin Glenn Byas, Sr., and Ruth Jane Byas on December 27, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri.

He was married to the love of his life, Antha “Sister” Maria Byas for 48 years, who preceded him in death.

Nate was educated in the Kansas City Public School System, attending Booker T. Washington Elementary School, Lincoln Junior, and Lincoln Senior High School. Nathaniel was a member of the Lincoln High School Marching Tigers Band, Football Team, and ROTC Rifle Team.

He furthered his education through technical school, gaining certification as a mechanic, working for the City of Kansas City, Missouri, retiring after 28 years. During his tenure with the city, he was a Parks & Recreation Heavy Equipment Mechanic. As President of the Local 500 AFSCEME, he successfully negotiated with then Mayor Emanuel Cleaver, II, to increase city workers’ pay beyond minimum wage so workers could live above the poverty gap, lifting many city employees off welfare. As a result, he is recognized at the Firefighters Monument located at 500 West 31st Street, in Kansas City, Missouri.

In his youth, Nate enjoyed fixing cars, traveling, and spending time with family and friends, especially with his lifelong friends from the neighborhood, Ronnie Anderson, and Charles Hardiman. He also took pleasure in cooking, barbecuing his famous ribs for others at family gatherings and picnics.

Nathaniel accepted Christ at an early age and attended Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church (under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Emmanuel Johnson) for many years. He lived a loving and purposeful life, being a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to all who knew him.

Preceded in death: by his beloved wife, Antha; parents Marvin, Sr., and Ruth Byas; sister Marvela Rhymes; brother Marvin Byas, Jr.; brother-in-law Mike Anderson; nieces Connie Byas and Ouanje Anderson; nephew Marvin Byas, III and cousin, Ronnie Anderson.

Surviving family members: He leaves to cherish his precious memories, sons Tony Byas (Travida) of Kansas City, Missouri and Raymond Weaver of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Ashley Keeling, Tashaun Ross (David), Tashae Randle (James, Jr.), Tony Byas, II, Tyler Byas, Taliah Byas; great grandchildren, Te’Andray, Za’Nyah, Serenity, Brooklyn, Audree, Leon, Honesty, Hunter; brother, Andrew Byas (Theresa); mother-in-law, Laura Anderson all of Kansas City, Missouri; brothers-in-law, Robert “Bobby” Rhymes of Phoenix, Arizona, and Samuel Weaver; sisters-in-law, Denise Byas, Joan Pyles, and Sharon Anderson, all of Kansas City, Missouri, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of many other family and friends.

“Nady Baby” will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends. This is not farewell but, see you later.