Obituary of Thomas Joseph Lyle

Tom Lyle, 86, of Duluth, died Sunday, Dyecember 1, 2019, from complications with Alzheimer’s after a short stay at the Silver Bay Minnesota Veterans Home, following a record-breaking blizzard. Tom was born August 5, 1933 in Duluth to Florence and Sam Lyle.

Tom graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1951. He was drafted into the US Army, 25th Infantry, in 1953 and served in Korea. Gunnery Sergeant Lyle was trained in Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Warfare Defense by Far East Command, eventually teaching classes in these areas. After returning home, he continued to serve with the US Army Reserve. At a young age, Tom started working at Lyle Bros. Towing and Auto Parts, eventually becoming President. For over 40 years, he managed, and was onsite for daily caretaking of the Nevari Lodge property. During his life, Tom was involved in many groups and organizations including; Clan Stewart, Ionic Lodge, Scottish Rite, AAD Shrine, Elks Club, American Legion, and the Duluth Power Squadron. He was a Charter Member of the Minnesota Professional Towing Association and a long time member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. He served as President of the Park Point Community Club and the Duluth Scottish Heritage Association. He was a Chapter Dad of Unity Chapter of DeMolay, and an Associate Guardian of Job’s Daughters Bethel #2. Tom enjoyed ski jumping at Chester Bowl in his youth, fishing on the Cloquet River at Bowman Lake, boating on Superior Bay, and gathering with his weekday coffee group. Most of all, Tom enjoyed spending time with his family.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Sam, and his brothers, James and Robert.

Tom is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gloria; three children, Deb (Robb) Newman of Florida, Barbara (Paul) Lyle of Illinois, and Rick (Heidi) Lyle of Minnesota; eight grandchildren, Lyle of Texas, Hannah (Devin) of California, Allan (Aleksandra) of Fort Humphreys, South Korea, Tom II (a.k.a. TJ) of Wisconsin, Sarah (Clay) of Missouri, Oriana of Illinois, Ricky of Minnesota, and Mirella of Illinois and a great-granddaughter, McKenna, of Missouri.

Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 20, 2019 with a Masonic Memorial Service preceding the 11:00 a.m. Memorial Service at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1710 E. Superior Street, Duluth. Military Honors will be provided by the Duluth Honor Guard. A luncheon will follow in the Parish Hall. Scottish attire is welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or Duluth Scottish Rite Hearing and Speech Clinic.