Lyle Worthy

Lyle Abner Worthy, 90, of Atwood, died peacefully in his home on November 19, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was born March 12, 1926 in Grainfield, KS, to Curry Abner and Rosa Madge (White) Worthy. He attended elementary and three years of high school in Grainfield. When his parents moved to Atwood in 1942, Lyle finished his senior year and took a year of post-graduate studies at Atwood Community High School. Shortly after finishing his postgraduate studies, he was drafted into the United States Army in August 1944 and served for two and one-half years during World War II. In February 1945 he was shipped overseas, where he saw service in Okinawa and other locations, earning a bronze star. Lyle was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to Atwood to begin work with his father at Worthy Implement and Motor Company. He was employed there until his father’s death in 1963, at which time he became co-owner of the business with his mother. Lyle was also employed part-time with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in maintenance, and upon his retirement was awarded his pin for 26 years of service. On April 6, 1948, Lyle married Pauline Irene Ginther in the Methodist Church in Atwood. Pauline was the mother of his three children and his life partner for over 37 years. He also shared his life with Jean Snyder, his significant other for 29 years. His final constant companion, Gloria Phelps, was devoted and committed to him until his death.

Lyle was a member of American Legion Sam Hubbard Post No. 46 and was honored for 70 years of service. He was a member of the Atwood Masons Lodge #164 for 68 years, the Isis Shrine, the Oddfellows, VFW Post and the Atwood Lions Club as well as many other organizations throughout his life.

Lyle loved life and spent every moment with his family and friends through many activities as fishing, hunting, bowling, civic clubs, travel and giving back to his community. With his loves of his life, Lyle danced in eight countries and forty States and enjoyed every minute of it.

Proceeding him in death were his parents; his wife, Pauline; companion, Jean; sister Alice Liddle; son-in-law Ron Sweeney; brothers-in-law Ron Mannoni, Vic Liddle, Gordon Ginther, Leroy Ginther, Merle Ginther, Willard Clapper; sisters-in-law Virginia (Ginther) Clapper, Joyce (Ginther) Meyer, Goldie Ginther, niece Debbie (Ginther) Sears and extended family member daughter Dixie Thompson.

Lyle is survived by his children Deanna Sweeney and fiancé Jerry Wilson of Newport, NC; Debra (Gary) Dudley of Newport, NC; Cary (Willard Doxey) of Graham, NC; extended family daughter Diana (Butsy) Chiro of New Orleans, LA; son-in-law Jack Johnson, Colby,Ks; brother Gary (Mona ) Worthy of Atwood, KS; sisters Bessie Jean Mannoni of Topeka, KS; Shirley (Gordon) Crowdis, Beardsly, KS; Sister-in-law Nola Winters, Atwood, KS; life companion Gloria Phelps, Atwood, KS; grandchildren Jeremy (Rhonda) Kisner, Alicia (Michael) Rials, Amanda Brown, Ashley (Heath) Wills, Crystal Murillo, Elizabeth(Steven) White; extended family Delin Thompson; Chris (Carla)Thompson; Aric Aschenbrenner, Amber Aschennbrenner, great-grandchildren Bryce Kisner, Shayla Kisner, Zaidyn Wills, Reese Rials, Lyla Blue Gamble, Rylee Rials and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Baalmann Mortuary-Atwood, where friends may offer condolences to the family. Funeral service will be Wednesday, November 23, at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Atwood. Interment will follow at the Atwood Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to: American Legion Sam Hubbard Post 46, Mason Lodge #164, and Atwood Second Century Fund and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information and condolences visit, www.baalmannmortuary.com

Special Thanks to the Staff of the High Plains Regional Dialysis for the great care they gave our father over the past three years.