Donald Gene Byington, 83, of Leisure Knoll, Manchester Township, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Monday, January 12, 2026. He grew up in Downsville, New York, where he met the love of his life, Jeanette. Throughout their 62 year marriage, they lived in various places in upstate New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.
Don graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Cornell University in 1964 and immediately began his life’s work in the dairy industry. He ended his career as the Materials Manager for LePrino Foods in Allendale, Michigan. Upon his retirement in 2005, Don and Jeanette moved to Manchester, New Jersey.
Throughout his life, no matter where he resided, Don was an active member of his community. He volunteered his time and provided service to others through Jaycees, Lions Club, and Habitat for Humanity. In his retirement, Don spent many years serving as a Trustee of Lakehurst United Methodist Church.
A country boy at heart, Don had a passion for gardening and farm animals, especially dairy goats. He loved traveling and exploring new places, especially State and National Parks. Over the years, Don visited all 50 states and multiple countries with his devoted wife, Jeanette by his side.
Don loved spending time with his family and friends. He could always be found in the stands or audience supporting his children and grandchildren at various sporting events, competitions, recitals, and concerts. Known for his quick wit, Don loved playing cards and board games, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and watching Jeopardy. He was an avid sports fan and especially loved watching Duke Basketball, the Cincinnati Reds, the Baltimore Orioles, or whatever sport was on television. Participating in family Fantasy Baseball and Football leagues kept him connected to loved ones and often revealed his competitive spirit.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Marion (Carey) Byington, his brother, Timothy Byington, and his sister, Beverly Biggar. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanette; his children: Susan Williams and her husband, Rusty of Shortsville, NY; Michael Byington and his wife, Sue of Point Pleasant, NJ; and Kristen Whatley and her husband, Joel of Remington, VA; and his sisters: Sharon Devaney of Liverpool, NY and Barbara Byington of Brick, NJ.
Don is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Alexandra Janssen and her husband, Garrett; Daniel Whatley; Brian Byington and his fiance, Nicole DePadova; Kaitlyn Williams; Abby Byington; Sarah Whatley; Megan Byington and his two delightful great-granddaughters, Laynie and Wrenlee Janssen. Don is also survived by his numerous nieces and nephews, as well as the many friends he has made throughout his lifetime.
A memorial gathering will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home, 119 Union Ave., Lakehurst, New Jersey. A funeral service to celebrate Don’s life will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Lakehurst United Methodist Church, 204 Elm St., Lakehurst, New Jersey 08733. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in Don’s memory to the Lakehurst United Methodist Church.
Don will be missed by so many people!
He always had a smile and maybe even a dry comment that would make others smile!
So sorry for his beautiful family’s loss!
I feel fortunate to have known him even for a short time!
Phyllis and I were so sorry to hear of Don’s death. We knew he was not well, but we didn’t expect this news so soon. We only knew Don (and Jeanette) for a few years while we lived in Leisure Village, Manchester. Don was a good and helpful friend and a loyal member of the Lakehurst United Methodist Church where he served well in a number of capacities. We will be present in spirit for his service at the church and will continue to pray for Jeanette and her family in this difficult time. Don is in a good place and God is with us all right where we are. God will see us through.
Don was our neighbor directly across the street from us. He was such a kind and friendly man that shared my love for sports and especially our love for Duke basketball. I feel as though I’ve lost a big brother and will miss him dearly. He is resting easy knowing we will always watch over his dear wife Jeanette just as he did for many years.
Dear Jeanette: Although the close contact with Don was at a distance at first and I prayed each
summer Sunday at the services in Ocean Gate-LUMC for “Don” when I joined the Lakehurst United Methodist Church I finally found the “Don” I had been sending up prayers for. He was amazing in his battle for life and I was happy to know that the prayers went to a really good person.
I know that he has gone to a beautiful place in heaven where he is now joined with his parents and all those who predeceased him. His illness has been removed from his soul and, he reside in peace and comfort forever.
Marion Goldberg, Leisure Knoll.