Lyle Ivan Dyson, 93, lover of classic country music and proud American, left this earthly life on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, at Smoky Hill Health and Rehab Center, Salina, Kansas. He was born on July 10, 1925 in rural Cloud County near Concordia, Kansas, to Vernard John and Iva Mae (Hillan) Dyson.
Lyle attended Hopewell School in rural Concordia, Kansas. He served in the United States Army 100th Infantry Division from 1944 to 1946 as a private first class during World War II and was rarely seen without his signature 100th Division cap. He was a patriot above all and was honored to be present when a brick was installed in his honor at Veterans’ Park in Wichita in 2017. He also looked forward every year to helping install the Avenue of Flags at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery on Memorial Day.
He was married on July 14, 1947 to Geraldine Rosaline Cote in Aurora, Kansas. Lyle instilled in his family a strong work ethic as a line equipment operator for 43 years and was a loyal member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. In his retirement, he drove vehicles for Babe Houser Motor Company, which he did not consider a “job” at all because he adored driving and all things cars. He was a member of the Salina Church of Christ as well as the Knights of Columbus, VFW Post #588, American Legion Post #76, Moose Lodge #1428, all of Concordia, Kansas. In his younger days, he could often be seen two-stepping at dances at these places on Saturday nights, and continued his love of dancing into his late 80’s.
Lyle is survived by two sons, Gregory Dyson (Leslie) Sterling, CO.; Bruce Dyson (Pam), Plano, TX.; two daughters, Kendra Albin (Steve), Salina, KS.; Lynette Murphy (Dan), Wichita, KS.; nine grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and a sister, Eula Lee Anderson, Topeka.
Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 20 at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, with Rev. Anita Strommen, close friend of the family, officiating. Burial will follow at St. Concordia Cemetery, Concordia with military rites by the local American Legion Post #76, Concordia, Kansas. Visitation will be Friday, October 19, 2018 from 1-8 pm at the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia. Family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
To celebrate Lyle’s love of country, the family requests that those attending the memorial service wear red, white or blue flag items or military uniforms. One of his favorite songs, God Bless America Again, describes his patriotism best: “You know I don’t understand everything I’m reading here – About what’s wrong with America – But when you don’t have a lotta book learnin’ – I guess there’s a lot of things you don’t understand – But let me say this, God, she’s like a mother to me – And all I am or ever hoped to be I owe to you and her – Wash her pretty face, dry her eyes and then – God bless America again.”
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the American Legion Post #76 for the Avenue of Flags and the Salina Church of Christ, or in care of the funeral home. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.