1947
Mr.
2013
Mr. Jonathan Jon" Leslie Lyle
August 27, 1947 — October 15, 2013
Jonathan "Big Jon" Leslie Lyle, 66, automobile enthusiast and advocate for people with disabilities, died October 15 at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, MO, from complications of a long-term illness.
A Merriam, KS resident for more than 30 years, Lyle was born Aug. 27, 1947 in Lamesa, Texas to J.C. Cline and Yvonne Hardin. He grew up working in a traveling circus along with his family. Lyle set up attractions, tended animals, and even performed as a clown on occasion.
As an adult, Lyle spent nearly 25 years in the auto body repair business, including owning and operating his own shop. After that, Lyle completed his GED, and earned Bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Religion and a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. He worked as an advocate for people with disabilities for several years before declining health forced him to retire.
He married Roxie Mull on June 18, 1977 and together they raised four children. Roxie recalled, "Jon loved to sing and was known for his ornery sense of humor."
Lyle enjoyed restoring old cars, photography, tinkering with new technology, and playing chess.
He is survived by children Yvonda Groff and Jonelle Jones; stepchildren Tammy Silva and Brian Lyle; siblings Jeannine Cline, Jeannette Santino, Ronnie Lyle, Kay Covey and Sandra Lyle; uncle Kenneth Cline; mother-in-law Wanda Mull; 16 grandchildren; and a loving group of extended family.
Graveside service and interment will be Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013 at 1pm at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210, under the direction of D.W. Newcomer & Sons with Rev. Lon Dagley officiating. Rabbi Shmuel Wolkenfeld will lead Kadesh during the service.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Foundation, 100 SW 75th St. Suite 201, Gainesville, FL 32607 or www.asmbsfoundation.org.
A Merriam, KS resident for more than 30 years, Lyle was born Aug. 27, 1947 in Lamesa, Texas to J.C. Cline and Yvonne Hardin. He grew up working in a traveling circus along with his family. Lyle set up attractions, tended animals, and even performed as a clown on occasion.
As an adult, Lyle spent nearly 25 years in the auto body repair business, including owning and operating his own shop. After that, Lyle completed his GED, and earned Bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Religion and a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. He worked as an advocate for people with disabilities for several years before declining health forced him to retire.
He married Roxie Mull on June 18, 1977 and together they raised four children. Roxie recalled, "Jon loved to sing and was known for his ornery sense of humor."
Lyle enjoyed restoring old cars, photography, tinkering with new technology, and playing chess.
He is survived by children Yvonda Groff and Jonelle Jones; stepchildren Tammy Silva and Brian Lyle; siblings Jeannine Cline, Jeannette Santino, Ronnie Lyle, Kay Covey and Sandra Lyle; uncle Kenneth Cline; mother-in-law Wanda Mull; 16 grandchildren; and a loving group of extended family.
Graveside service and interment will be Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013 at 1pm at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210, under the direction of D.W. Newcomer & Sons with Rev. Lon Dagley officiating. Rabbi Shmuel Wolkenfeld will lead Kadesh during the service.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Foundation, 100 SW 75th St. Suite 201, Gainesville, FL 32607 or www.asmbsfoundation.org.
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