It is with profound sorrow and endless love that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and Poppy, Richard "Rick" Edward Byersmith, who peacefully entered eternal rest on May 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife, children, and granddaughters.

Rick was our family's greatest blessing. Through every joy and hardship, he stood beside us with unwavering love, strength, and compassion. His gentle heart, warm smile, and quick wit touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. 

Rick was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Shirley (Oster) Brenner and Frederick Byersmith. He graduated from Macomber Vocational School as an electrician. He proudly served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. Rick was one of the founders of Transtar Electric and later founded Transtar Builders. Throughout his career, he designed, built, and decorated hundreds of beautiful custom and spec homes. His talent and dedication earned numerous awards, including being named the Toledo Area Home Builders Association's Builder of the Year in 2000. 

For 31 years, Rick and his wife, Betsy, shared a remarkable love story filled with laughter, friendship, and countless cherished memories. Their marriage was a beautiful example of devotion, marked by mutual admiration, kindness, and a love that grew stronger with each passing year. Together, they created a home filled with warmth, faith, laughter, and unconditional love, raising three children and welcoming beloved grandchildren into their lives. 

Rick was a devoted father and an adoring Poppy to his granddaughters. He lived a life defined by integrity, generosity, and kindness. An extraordinarily talented gardener, he created a backyard oasis that became a gathering place for family and friends. Together, Rick and Betsy hosted countless holidays, family celebrations, and memorable "concerts" at their home, always opening their doors and making everyone feel welcome. Rick was the consummate host, happiest when surrounded by those he loved. 

He enjoyed traveling with family and friends, especially to Mexico and the Caribbean. He loved snorkeling and SCUBA diving and passed along his appreciation for nature and adventure to his children. Rick also adored and spoiled his beloved Bichon Frise dogs, Ollie and Phoebe, who will miss him dearly. Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Brenner and stepfather Verle Brenner; his father, Frederick Byersmith; his mother-in-law, Jackie Staab and her husband Joseph Staab; his father-in-law, Charles D. Brown Sr.; his nephew, Joshua T. Brown; and his brother-in-law, Donald Siewert.

He is survived by his wife and soulmate, Betsy Byersmith; his sons, Mark (Kanisha) Byersmith and Zachary (Randi) Johnston; his daughter, Kendra Johnston; and his cherished granddaughters, Isabella Jackson, Brooklyn Byersmith, Parker Johnston, and Lennyn Boettner. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, MJ Siewert, Cindy (Rick) Burgin, and Sheri Taylor; his brother-in-law, Charles (Donna) Brown; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will lovingly remember him. 

Rick was deeply cherished by all who knew him. He loved his family with all his heart and was their fiercest protector. His brilliant sense of humor, quick wit, and loving spirit will be profoundly missed, but his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched. 

The family finds comfort in knowing that Rick's spirit lives on in every garden he planted, every home he built, every adventure he shared, and every life he touched. His was a life well lived, a heart well loved, and a legacy that will endure for generations. Though our hearts are broken, we are forever grateful for the years, memories, and love we shared with him. 

And as Rick would say: "Amigos, tonight we ride!" 

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on June 27, 2026, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Sylvania, Ohio. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m.