Byron Owen Britt, 16, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul B. Britt passed away Thursday morning, March 30th at his home in Alliance, Nebr. He had been sick with influenza for about three weeks. Funeral services were held in Lincoln, with burial at the Wyuka cemetery.

Mr. and Mrs. Britt lived in Farnam in 1918-19 when he taught in the local school. Mrs. Britt is a sister of Frank Owen of Ingham.

The obituary will be published next week.

The Farnam Echo 55(31):1, Thursday, 6 April 1939

Byron Owen Britt, son of Paul B. and Coleen O. Britt was born on June 23rd, 1922, at Farnam, Nebr. He lived with his parents in various Nebraska towns where his father was superintendent of schools. He graduated from the grade school at Harrison, Nebr., and was valedictorian for his class and salutatorian for Sioux county.

At an early age Byron became interested in radio broadcast and after school hours he would devote to study along that line. Through his untiring efforts, he successfully passed the examination required by the Federal Communications Commission of Washington, D. C., and last October secured his license and became radio operator W9JWR. He had pleasure which few of his age have experienced, that of sitting in his own room, and visiting with men in various points of the United States and Canada and in foreign countries. When he talked to Sidney [sic], Australia, he said that one visit was worth all the time he had put in study. Just three weeks ago Byron had the privilege of becoming the youngest charger member of western Nebraska’s newly organized amateur radio club.

Recently Byron’s love of good music found beautiful expression in the study and playing of the electric guitar. In regard to the guitar he remarked, "I really plan to be an expert radio and television engineer, but I think every man should have a useful hobby."

Byron’s vacations were usually spent in travel with his parents. His travels took him to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Sequoia National Park, California Catolina Island, Chicago World Fair, Old New Orleans, the Gulf Coast and other interesting places. Recently he remarked that he believed every citizen should visit Washington, D. C., so his plans for the summer were to see that city and the New York World’s Fair. His father had sent him a World’s Fair copy of the New York Times and during his illness he enjoyed studying the World Fair plan. After due consideration he said, "Well, mom, you and dad can see all the Fair but I’m going to spend my time in the Hall of Science."

Byron’s favorite sport was target practice in which he was efficient. He enjoyed a gun from the standpoint of skill and was never known to shoot a bird or animal. His disposition was very serious, but also very happy. He often wondered why any boy would waste his time smoking or loafing when the world was so full of worth while, interesting things. One of Byron’s friends mother remarked, "To hear Byron talk is refreshing, just like reading a chapter in a well written book."

Byron enjoyed well informed men friends in preference to those of his own age. He always lived in the future and wished each day could be longer, so he could have more time to enjoy. A few days ago one of his high school teachers wrote him a letter in which he said, "Byron, with your keen mind, your acquired knowledge and your broad experience, the world is yours."

During his short stay here, Byron really knew and lived at its best. He never showed much interest in religion but he believed that radio waves would eventually be conquered to the extent that vibrations which are not recognized now, would sometime be interepreted by man, and thus open the door to understanding.

Byron became ill of influenza about three weeks ago, and after a relapse was unable to rally from the disease. He passed peacefully away at 2:45 Thursday morning, March 30, 1939, at his home in Alliance, Nebr., at the age of 16 years, 9 months and 7 days. At the time of his passing, he was a sophomore in Alliance high school, maintaining an "A" average at all times. He was a member of the Sons of the Legionnaires and of the Radio Association.

Byron leaves to mourn, his father, his mother and his grandfather Owen, his aunts and uncles and cousins, and a host of friends, one of whom recently said, "I’ve never known anyone to dislike Byron. The better one knows him, the more sincerely one admires him."

Services were conducted at the Roberts Chapel at Lincoln, with Rev. Ray Hunt in charge. Interment was in the Wyuka cemetery Lincoln.

The Farnam Echo 55(32):8, Thursday, 13 April 1939