ROBERT R. BYERS (w∴m∴ 1959-1960)
(deceased)
Robert Riley Byers was born on February 3, 1905 in Celeste, Texas. After graduating from high school, he attended the Rice Institute (now called Rice University). In his early career, he was employed as an Engine Foreman for the Southern Pacific Railroad, and later worked for Harris County as a Building Appraiser.

He was married, and had three children.

As a young man, Brother Byers was a member of the Order of DeMolay, having received the degrees from Reagan Chapter, and served as its seventh Master Councilor in the fall of 1923.
Because of his devoted service to the Order of DeMolay, he was awarded the Cross of Honor, and invested as a member of the Legion of Honor.

Brother Byers received the degrees in Freemasonry from Reagan Lodge No. 1037. He was initiated as an Entered Apprentice Mason on April 16, 1946; passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on May 9, 1946; and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on June 8, 1946. He was a charter member of Memorial Lodge No. 1298, and served as its second Worshipful Master for the 1948-1949 masonic year. In 1953, he served as the District Deputy Grand Master for Masonic District 30.

He was the principal force behind the creation of Jacques DeMolay Lodge in 1959, and was
accorded the signal honor of presiding as its first Worshipful Master. After leaving the East, he served the lodge as Secretary for the next three terms, and then as Treasurer for the two terms after that.

Brother Byers was a member of the Chapter, Council and Commandery of the York Rite, as well as the Royal Order of Scotland and the Order of the Eastern Star.

Brother Byers was also a member of the Red Cross of Constantine, and in 1972 served as Sovereign of San Jacinto Conclave No. 93.

Brother Byers was a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, having received the degrees from the Houston bodies in April 1952. He served as Wise Master of Houston Chapter of Knights Rose Croix in 1963. For his service and devotion to the Rite, he was invested with the rank and decoration of a Knight Commander of the Court of Honour in 1957, and coroneted an Inspector General Honorary of the Thirty-third Degree in 1965.

Brother Byers passed away on April 13, 1976 at the age of seventy-one. He was laid to rest in Hempstead City Cemetery, in Hempstead , Texas. Masonic graveside services were performed under the auspices of Jacques DeMolay Lodge No. 1390.