The hall of heroes has welcomed home a fallen brother. Paul Byrnes (Bear), age 76, of Bingham, Illinois passed away suddenly on January 20th, 2025. Paul was born in Chicago, Illinois to Charles and Anne Marie Byrnes. After graduating from Crete-Monee High School, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served two combat tours in Vietnam, spending 18 months in country from 1967 to 1969 as a part of the 101st Airborne Division. During his service, Paul earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge, Sharpshooter Badge (Rifle), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star before being honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant (E-5). After completing his service to the nation, Paul married Audrey Hart in December of 1969, and welcomed their son James in 1970.
Paul started working for the Illinois Central Railroad in 1970, marking the beginning of a career that would see him work for the IC, Santa Fe, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Amtrak and US Transportation Center in Pueblo, Colorado as a Locomotive Engineer. After 20 years, Paul retired from the life of an engineer and went back to school, attaining a Juris Degree and passing the Colorado State Bar. Upon passing the bar, Paul worked in private practice, specializing in transportation law and expert witness testimony, which led to Paul taking a position with the Federal Railroad Administration. After several years of service with the FRA as a trial attorney, Paul entered private practice again, this time focusing on expert witness testimony for railroad related litigation.
Paul was an avid exerciser, he enjoyed running, weightlifting and cardio which helped Paul’s lifelong fascination with Asian martial arts. He practiced Karate and Mixed Martial Arts.
Paul is survived by Wife Audrey, Son and Daughter-in-law James and RaeAnn, Arvada, CO; Grandson Nicholas and fiancée Naomi Hirsch, Buena Park, CA; Granddaughter Ashley, Salt Lake City, UT; in-laws Paul and Donna Bradley, Winamac, IN; fur babies Astro, Molly, Peanut, the Kitties; and siblings Helene (Edward) Chicago, IL; Isabelle, Vietnam; Philippe, Albuquerque NM; Marc, Park Forest, IL; and John, Washington state; and many friends and family.
There will be no services held at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends and well-wishers donate to their local veterans or animal rescue charities. Miller Funeral Home, Ramsey, IL, is in charge of arrangements. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfh.net.
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