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January 30, 1953 February 17, 2018
January 30, 1953 -- February 17, 2018

Byron Edwin Truax, Jr., Age:65

Byron Edwin Truax, Jr., age 65, passed away at his apartment in Chicago, Illinois on Saturday, February 17, 2018 after a courageous journey with ALS. Byron – BJ to his family – was born on January 30, 1953 at Ft. Benning, Georgia, the first of 8 children, to Byron and Mary Anne Truax. After an early childhood in Elmhurst, Illinois, Byron spent his elementary and high school years in Miami, Florida, and graduated as a scholar athlete from Christopher Columbus High School. His competitive spirit extended to a variety of sports including track and field, basketball, and boxing. A passionate life-long learner and self-taught student of the marimba and cello, Byron was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from the University of Illinois and later Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in electrical engineering from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and the University of Illinois respectively. He served for two years in the United States Army, and later went on to work for a variety of manufacturing companies in the Midwest as a design engineer. In 2012, Byron was part of a team that secured a United States patent relating to a machine management system. Bryon lived his life with an orientation towards others. In addition to his military service and contributions as an officer with the Illinois Central Section of the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and other volunteer work, Byron was known for his deep faith, as well as the generosity, kindness and graciousness he regularly displayed to family, friends, and strangers. Survivors include his parents Byron and Mary Anne Truax; siblings Helen (Ian), Tom (Laura), Mary (Robert), Patty (Steve), Terry (Laura), Richard (Sally); and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ita Catholic Church at 5500 North Broadway, Chicago, Illinois. Visitation will be available at St. Ita starting at 10:15 a.m. prior to the funeral mass. Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, Byron’s family requests that any donations be directed to the Les Turner Foundation (www.lesturnerals.org), Paralyzed Veterans www.pva.org or Christopher Columbus High School www.columbushs.com/page/support-cchs/memorial-fund. Good night sweet prince and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

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Condolences

Susan Hambleton February 20, 2018

Friend of his sister Helen New York , New York

Ah, I am so deeply sad to hear of BJ's tragic passing. Of course it is a relief that he is no longer in pain from this dreadful disease. Nonetheless, please accept my deepest condolences.

Lance Pruett February 20, 2018

Friend and Co-worker Peoria , Illinois

Byron was a truly unique person who I am glad to have known him and call Byron my friend. Because of him, I am a better person today He taught me so much in terms of work and just life in general. I will miss him. My condolences to his family.

Paul and Joanna Hettinga February 21, 2018

Friend of Terry and Laura Indian Head Park , Illinois

Please accept our heartfelt condolences for the loss of Byron. While we did not know him personally, knowing his brother and their family, we have a glimpse of the richness of love, faith and generosity that is part of the Truax klan and from the stories we've heard, was certainly displayed in Byron's life. We know you will miss him and our heartfelt prayers go out to all of you, your family and friends in this time of saying goodbye. Paul and Joanna Hettinga

Bob Murtha & Charlie Marzani February 28, 2018

Enter your relationship with Byron Edwin Truax, Jr. New York , New York

We are so terribly sorry to learn of the passing of your brother. I know that you will think of him every day for the rest of your life,

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