Lyle Abels

Quiet yet sociable, Lyle W. Abels made friends everywhere he went by listening and caring about what others had to say. He was a hard worker and a loyal employee, earning the trust of his employers and customers through years of dedicated service. A devoted family man, he cherished his wife and daughter and always put the needs of his family before his own.

While Europe was reeling under the rapid development of World War I, Elmer and Hazel ( Murray ) Abels of Battle Creek were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their second child. They were rewarded on September 28, 1914, with another son, Lyle. Lyle was soon toddling after his big brother Burdette, learning quickly from Burdette's playful, mischievous example. Their father provided for the family by working at Union Pump Company and their mother worked in the cafeteria at the school. Later, the boys were joined by little sister Jeanette and both looked out for her. The neighborhood kids soon learned that bothering Lyle or Jeanette brought down the wrath of Burdette, and the three Abels children remained loyal to one another through the years.

While attending Battle Creek High School, some friends introduced Lyle to a cute young lady named Leta. The two of them hit it off right away. He had a feeling about this girl, and determined that he wasn't going to let her get away. After graduation, he took a job at Dole's Market and continued to date Leta for several more years. The 1930s saw the world floundering in the Great Depression and Lyle considered himself fortunate to have a job. When he felt he was prepared to care for Leta in the way she deserved, they exchanged vows in 1939 after eleven years of dating.

Lyle tried to join the Army soon after the wedding, but due to his blindness in one eye his application was rejected. In December of 1941, however, the Army changed its mind. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor initiated the U.S. entrance into World War II and every able-bodied volunteer was welcome. Lyle was drafted into the medical corps and proudly served as a medical clerk in the Philippines.

Leta was thrilled to be able to welcome Lyle home safely, and he returned to his job at Dole's Market. His consistency, work ethic, and reliability earned him several promotions. Eventually he and a couple of friends from the market pitched in and bought three grocery stores in Kalamazoo called the Market Basket. After ten years of marriage, he and Leta had their one and only daughter, Patricia. He adored his little girl and everything he did was for the sake of his two lovely ladies. Lyle decided it was in the family's best interest to sell his grocery stores and go to work for Warren Radio. He started on the sales floor, but just like he had at Dole's, he worked his way up to Regional Salesman. He took up golf, mostly for business purposes since it was a common way to have meetings with clients. He retired from Warren in 1981. After his retirement he assisted Leta in caring for their two grandsons until 1985, when the boys started preschool. They would still sacrifice their time to care for the boys when they were ill. They were very devoted loving grandparents.

When they moved to Kalamazoo, Lyle and Leta joined Lane Boulevard Church and Lyle served there in several capacities. He was known around the church for his involvement in their annual fundraiser, selling homemade peanut brittle. Lyle's faithfulness was an example to his family and friends.

Lyle had several hobbies and was never one to be idle for long. He always had his camera ready and especially enjoyed photographing flowers and vacation trips. He liked showing his slide collection to anyone who was interested, but mostly the pictures were for his own enjoyment. He was an experienced carpenter and not only remodeled his home, but also put on an addition. He was a genuine Mr. Fix-It and loved to tinker. After his retirement, he and Leta began traveling with senior groups on mystery adventure bus tours. They were given a list of what to pack, but the destination was always a surprise.

Pat's marriage to Paul gave them the son they never had. Lyle enjoyed giving Paul the knowledge and confidence to build or repair almost anything. In recent years he would turn to Paul for help with things he could no longer do himself.

Lyle was completely committed to caring for his family, and when Leta became ill in the mid '90s he devoted all of his time and energy to her health needs. He was determined to care for her at home, and he had a sling that they used to lift and carry her to the car and in and out of bed. When Leta passed away in 2001, Lyle was devastated, but he took comfort in his remaining family. He was very proud of his grandsons and supported their endeavors in any way he could. Some of his proudest moments came from watching his grandsons become loving and devoted fathers themselves. He leaves his family with the example of a man who worked hard, put the needs of his family before his own, and loved unconditionally.

Lyle died on Monday, July 3, 2006, at UpJohn Community Care Center. Members of Lyle's family include his daughter Patricia (Paul) Vickery of Kalamazoo, his grandsons, Matthew (Leanne) Vickery of Marcellus and Joshua Vickery of Portage, his great grandchildren, Mikayla Baker and Jonathon Vickery, his nieces, Susan Brooks and Sally Myers, and his nephews, Allan Abels and Michael Henry.

Learn more about Lyle, view his life story film, and visit with his family and friends on Thursday, July 6, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, RDMG - Portage where a funeral service will be held on Friday, July 7, at 1:00 p.m. Please visit Lyle's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can share a favorite memory, sign the online guest book, or view his Life Story film. Memorial donations to Lane Boulevard Church or Hospice of Southwest Michigan would be appreciated.