Byron Tait's Obituary
Byron Earl Tait
(November 26, 1929 – December 19, 2025)
On Friday, December 19, 2025, the sun set on a life dedicated to faith, family, and the fertile soil of Appanoose County. Byron Tait, 96, passed away peacefully in the home he loved, held in the arms of his two daughters, Byranna and Sharon, and with his beloved wife, Felva, by his side.
A true steward of the land, Byron was known across the county not just for the Angus cattle he raised or the corn and soybeans he harvested, but for the strength of his character. He operated the century-old family farm in Mystic, Iowa, with the help of his brother, Wayne, and expanded his legacy to land he purchased near Udell. For Byron, farming was more than a profession; it was a calling that required patience, grit, and a deep respect for the seasons. He was a man who believed that a job wasn’t finished until it was a job well-done.
He was a pillar of integrity and honesty—a man whose handshake was his bond. To his neighbors, he was a trusted confidant and a helping hand, always ready to assist when machinery failed or times were tough.
His faith was the foundation of his life. He grew up attending Walnut City Christian Church and later became a devoted member of the Moulton Christian Church. It was there, alongside Felva and their girls, that he demonstrated what it meant to lead with love.
He leaves behind a bountiful harvest of family who adored him. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Felva Elaine (Clinkenbeard) Tait; and his two daughters: Byranna Lynn Kaster and her husband, Rodger, of Moulton, Iowa; and Sharon Kay Burch and her husband, Bill, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
He was the proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Brydon Kaster (Jillian), Rodganna Avery (Evan), Tailyn Kaster, Sharena Kaster, Alex Burch (Sarah Salim), and Morgan Burch (Dan Lin).
He was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Porter, Delaney, Thayne, and Bennett Kaster; Isla, Roan, Ewan, Oren, and Elle Avery; and Billy Byron Lin. He is also survived by his brother, Wayne Tait, of Centerville, Iowa, along with many life-long friends and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Opal Tait; his brother, William LaVerne Tait; his infant brother, Howard Eugene Tait; and his sister-in-law, Freda Tait.
Funeral service will be 1:00 pm, Monday, December 29, 2025 at the Moulton Christian Church. Interment will immediately follow at Sunset View Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home from 12:00 - 7:00 pm with family present from 5:00 - 7:00 pm.. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Walnut City Christian Church or Moulton Christian Church. Condolences may be shared at https://www.thomasfh.com or https://facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
Byron’s service will be streamed live at
https://my.gather.app/remember/byron-tait
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