Byron Hallie Tarno

Peacefully and surrounded by his family, Byron Tarno was welcomed home in Heaven on June 10, 2026. We are deeply saddened to share of his passing but are full of hope knowing he is in paradise, fully healed with The Lord. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a cherished son and brother. His legacy is one of hard work and deep rooted love for his family.

He was the firstborn son of Eva Nell (Cartright) and Byron Millard Tarno of Canton, Texas. As a young boy, BH was a jokester who spent his days outdoors with his brother and dad playing catch, and, as his sister fondly recalls, occasionally throwing a few firecrackers as well. He also developed an early love for cars, spending many nights with them at the dragstrip watching the races. At 16 years old, he took on a new and honored role as Pam’s big brother. Standing six feet tall, he towered over her, but that never stopped him from proudly taking his little sister for rides in his baby blue Fairlane 500, her favorite of all his cars. He loved to water ski and patiently taught Pam how, while their mother drove the family’s race boat. Despite the years between them, Pam always remembered BH as her protector, her hero, and one of the most important people in her life.

Byron graduated from WW Samuel High School in Dallas in 1960.

BH was drafted in 1960 and served in the 809th Battalion of the US Army. In Thailand, he was an Engineer, where he and his fellow servicemen are most famously known for completing the “Freedom Highway.” He bravely served for four years and was honorably discharged with a Specialist ranking as an Expert in M14 operations. His service to our country is something that made him and us all very proud.

He met and married the love of his life, Sandra Lanier, in 1984. They settled in Euless, Texas where they raised three beautiful children together, Crystal, Ben and Jennifer. The kids loved their dad, respected him, and found joy in his quick wit and steady presence.

Jennifer shared that her favorite times with BH were the moments when he was happiest. Those moments were almost always spent at the lake away from the demands of everyday life, surrounded by God’s creation and the family he loved so deeply. There, he found peace, joy, and the simple pleasures that meant the most to him.

Ben spoke often of the time they spent together at the baseball field. BH was a constant presence at his games, never missing an opportunity to support from the stands. More than anything, he loved watching his children do what they loved. With a laugh, Ben recalled, “Dad never really got upset with us… just the umpires.” Anyone who knew BH can smile at that memory, knowing exactly how true it was.

Crystal’s fondest memories of her father were from more recent years. She treasured the time they spent together over a meal, discussing endless topics and simply enjoying each other’s company and conversation. Those moments reflected not only their close bond, but also the mutual respect they shared. She also recalled that when she was in the fourth grade, she brought home a small tree and asked her dad to plant it in their front yard. He took the time to do just that. Today, that tree is still thriving, standing tall, offering shade, and changing beautifully with each season. What a fitting testament to the man he was: strong, steadfast, and quietly nurturing. For those who loved him, it remains a tangible reminder of his life, his care, and the lasting impact he made on those around him.

In the years after raising their children, BH and Sandra loved life on the road, spending countless days camping in some of the country’s most beautiful state parks. BH had always loved the outdoors, and together they created a lifetime of treasured memories and adventures. Sandra shared that, despite being “Tarno Tough” to his core and a man of few words, he was endlessly proud of his children and the people they grew up to be.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Tarno, his son, Ben Tarno and wife Britney, his daughters Jennifer Brumley and husband Josh and Crystal Barton, his grandchildren, Kenzie and Bryson Brumley and Hallie Tarno, his sister Pam Hyde and her husband James Kevin and his nieces and nephews Scott Hyde and wife Katie, Katie Johnston and husband Darrell and Emily Glosup and husband David, nieces and nephews John David Tarno and Stacy Tarno Nall as well as many great nieces and nephews, cousins, and his Uncle Paul Fred.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Byron Tarno and Eva Nell Tarno and his brother Oscar David Tarno.

When we think of BH now, we know he’s cruising down the streets of gold, gleaming, one arm out the window, bluegrass drifting through the speaker in his red ’67 GTO. One day, because of our hope in Jesus as our Savior we will all be together again, but for now, we will miss him dearly and think of him fondly and often. What a gift it was to be in his life, but what a greater gift he was to each of us.