Jacob "Coach" Byler

Kaplan—A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church honoring the life of Jacob "Coach" Byler, 83, who died Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Brookdale Assisted Living. He will be laid to rest at Hebert Cemetery with Fr. Mikel Polson officiating the services and Fr. Buddy Breaux concelebrating. Pallbearers will be Britt Byler, Ashton Crochet, Lucus Broussard, Linden Bercegeay III, Tommy Pillette, and Mark Aubrey Cole. Honorary pallbearers will be Kerry Richard, Chad Hargrave, Jimmy Broussard, and Ray Broussard.

Visiting hours will be observed at Vincent Funeral Home in Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 2:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 6:30 PM; Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 8:00 AM until the procession departs for church at 10:45 AM.

Coach Byler was a dedicated educator and coach for 43 years and leaves behind a profound legacy of commitment, inspiration, and love. Coach Byler had a tremendous impact on countless students and families through his roles as a teacher and coach, touching lives and shaping futures with his hard work and caring nature.

He began his remarkable career at Saint Paul’s in Covington before returning to the Lafayette area, where he spent 15 influential years at Cathedral Carmel High School. At Cathedral Carmel, he served as an assistant football coach and head track coach before becoming the school's last head football coach. His dedication and leadership were evident in every role he took on.

When Cathedral Carmel High School closed and St. Thomas More opened, Coach Byler became the first head football coach at Saint Thomas More High School, setting the foundation for the school's football program. After four impactful years at STM, he spent the next 21 years at Erath High School, where he became the winningest all-time football coach. His success wasn't limited to football; he was also a highly successful track and field coach, guiding many athletes to reach their full potential.

Even in retirement, Coach Byler's passion for coaching never dimmed. He continued to volunteer at North Vermilion High School, contributing to both the football and track programs, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the development of young athletes.

Coach Byler's career was adorned with numerous individual awards and team accomplishments, reflecting his exceptional coaching abilities and dedication. His impact on multiple communities is a testament to his hardworking and caring nature. He was a coach that players wanted to play for, inspiring countless athletes with his leadership and compassion.

Beyond his professional achievements, Coach Byler was the "head coach" of his own family. He was a beloved father and grandfather, whose love and guidance were felt deeply by his family. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jacob "Coach" Byler's legacy will continue to inspire future generations. His memory will be cherished by his family, friends, students, and the many communities he served.

He is survived by one son, Thomas Byler (Stacy) of Youngsville; one daughter, Tracy Byler (Ad Himel) of Lafayette; one brother, Patrick Byler (Jane) of New Iberia; and three grandchildren, Grace Crochet (Ashton), Britt Byler, and Lily Byler.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Broussard Byler; his parents, Jules Byler and the former Lelia Conner; and his mother- and father-in-law, Newton and Loris Broussard.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to the Vermilion Parish Future Educator Scholarship Fund, a newly formed scholarship fund created to honor Coach Byler’s legacy. There will be envelopes available at the funeral home for donations to be made.