Richard "Pop" Lyle

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming... 'Wow, what a ride!!!'"

Richard grew up in Gainesville, Texas, where his adventurous spirit was shaped by endless days of exploration. Summers were especially cherished, as he spent them on his grandparents’ farm, where he learned the value of hard work, the rhythm of nature and the bonds of family. There, he developed an abiding respect for the land and the people who worked it, and he often recalled stories of mules, plows, and love that ran deep.

Richard was deeply shaped by the cowboy mystique of the mid-20th century. He was an ardent admirer of screen legends like Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and Lash LaRue. The stoic integrity, sense of justice, and unshakable courage embodied by these cowboy heroes left an indelible mark on Richard’s character. He carried these ideals into adulthood—valuing loyalty, resilience, and standing up for what's right with quiet strength and humility. He may not have worn spurs, but he certainly walked tall.

In 1956, he met the love of his life, Yotta Langston. They remained inseparable for 62 years until her passing. Facing fatherhood and overwhelmed by responsibility, Richard rose to the challenge. He took on two full-time jobs: working from 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Red Winger’s Filling Station, and from 7:30 p.m. to midnight digging ditches with a highway crew.

Determined to break free from the cycle of poverty, Richard moved to Fort Worth in 1970 and became a "bread man"—a role that defined him for the rest of his professional life. Through determination, a sharp mind, and a rare gift for connecting with people, he rose through the ranks at Mrs. Baird’s Bakery, eventually becoming General Manager of the Houston and South Texas region, where he oversaw 700 employees.

Richard also believed in giving back. He worked with and served on the boards of numerous charitable organizations, including the Lions Club, Waco Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Restaurant Association, and the Houston Grocers Association. Even at 84, he volunteered with the local chapter of Powered by People to register voters for the 2024 Presidential election.

A true Renaissance man, Richard loved musical theatre, literature and history as much as he did sports, fishing and the great outdoors. He was a gifted athlete, played high school football, and later coached his son Butch’s little league and pee-wee football teams. Golf became a lifelong passion, and he took pride in honing his skills and lowering his handicap.

He was a Christian who lived his faith through action—quietly, consistently, and with unwavering integrity. Above all, Richard was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather—a man remembered for his compassion, integrity, modesty, generosity, sacrifice, and tenacity.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby (Ford) and Floyd Lyle; his beloved wife, Yotta Langston Lyle; his son, Roy Dale “Butch” Lyle; his brother, Ronald Lyle; his cherished aunts and uncles; and in-laws Juliette (Love) and Roy Sweatman, Charley and Lenora Langston.

He is survived by his daughter Megan Tabak (Adam); daughter-in-law Mary Lyle; grandson Richard M. W. Lyle; granddaughter Amelia Tabak and niece Kathy Clarke.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, an organization close to Richard’s heart that aligns with his lifelong dedication to helping young people succeed against the odds or the charity of your choice.