Traverse City Record-Eagle

Archive: Thursday

February 7, 2013

Byron Hosmer

----

TRAVERSE CITY — Byron Hosmer, devoted husband, father and grandfather passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, at Munson Medical Center.

Byron was born on Feb. 28, 1931, to the late Walter Hosmer and Leah (Corbin) Coffee. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in religion — philosophy from Upland College, Upland, Calif. He also received a master's of Social Work from Michigan State University in psychiatric social work and was a member of the National Association of Certified Social Workers. In 1991, Byron received a master's of Pastoral Studies from Loyola University in New Orleans, La. He completed the Certificate of Spiritual Formation from the Academy of Spiritual Formation, Nashville, Tenn., and the Certificate of Spiritual Direction from the Columbiere Center for Spirituality, Clarkston.

Byron's 42-year career as a clinical social worker concluded with an association with Gerholtz Counseling Center, of the First Presbyterian Church in Flint. His work there included a unique service of spiritual counseling for pastors in the area. He was a member of the board of administration for the East Michigan Conference of the Free Methodist Church. He also volunteered as a spiritual counselor for the ministers in the conference. He was a contributing author of Homilies for the Liturgical Commission Publishing of Lansing. He authored the Prayer for the Hours Guide for the Free Methodist Church, North America, general conference in 2003.

Byron was a lifelong learner and loved to participate in lively discussions of religion and current events. He enjoyed automobiles, especially English sport cars; traveling in a motor home with his family and boating. He was also a private pilot.

In addition to his loving wife of 56 years, Georgina, Byron is survived by his children, Allyson (Todd) Penwell and Karen (Brett Wery) Hosmer; a granddaughter, Krystyana Penwell; and a sister, Joyce Turner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Leah, as well as a brother, Brent Hosmer.

A memorial service honoring Byron will take place at noon on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass, Traverse City. Friends are welcome to visit with Byron's family at the church on Saturday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St., Traverse City, MI, 49684.

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Text Only