Racine – Nelson B. Liston, known to all as "Byrl", 87, received the promise of eternal life on Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at Wheat Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints surrounded by the love of his family.  He was born in Flat Rock, IL, on September 6, 1928, son of the late Oscar and Victoria (nee: South) Liston.

Byrl was united in marriage to his childhood sweetheart, the former Bettie Jean Fitts, on November 16, 1946, in Robinson, IL.  They celebrated 69 wonderful years.

Byrl was employed as a millwright at JI Case for 29 years, retiring September 1, 1980.  He was a member of the 20-year club.  Byrl also worked for Walker Manufacturing.  He was a member of the Moose Lodge and the Eagles Club.  Byrl was an avid bowler, bowling at Surfside Lanes on Wednesday nights for 20 years.  He and Bettie visited many states with their good friends, Dale and Lavern Salisbury, bowling in many A.B.C. tournaments where they had a lot of fun.

Byrl loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, and NASCAR.  He and Bettie also liked to try their luck at the casino.  He was a fun guy and had a wonderful sense of humor.  Byrl will surely be missed.

Byrl leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Bettie Liston; daughter, Sharon (Jim) Leger; grandchildren, Michele and Mike Ellenberger; five great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; two step great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Phillip and Lawrence Liston; sister, Elizabeth Dressback; sisters-in-law, Alberta Ballew, Pat (Joe) James; other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention.

In addition to his parents, Byrl is preceded in death by his in-laws, Fred and Emma Fitts; five brothers; and three sisters.

A celebration of Byrl's life will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016, 2:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, with Rev. Heather Bumstead officiating.  Visitation will be from 12:00pm until the time of the service.  Per Byrl's wishes, cremation will follow the services.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to the family.

The family would like to say "Thank You" to the staff at Ridgewod Care Center and the staff at WFH-All Saints for their loving care of Byrl.  God bless you all!

"We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can fly only by embracing each other."