brother of Bonnie (McKay). Loryl died peacefully, surrounded by the love of his life
Laurie and his loving family on December 9th after his typically upbeat and graceful
engagement with Lewy Body Dementia.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his aunt Martha Lackey, Aunt Millie
Barrett, Uncle Bill Barrett, Cousin Barbara Barrett, and also his father in-law Aaron
Wilson
Loryl graduated from Mater Del HS in 1961 where he wrestled as a light weight
weighing in at 96 lbs. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1962, serving his country and the
world until 1968. He was stationed in Germany, learning the language and a global
perspective in his spare time. Upon returning home, a citizen of the world, he brought
his unique experiences and broadened outlook back to the Tri-State area where he
attended ISUE (BA) and University of Evansville (MA).
Loryl officially became Mr. Lackey in 1971, embarking on his long and profoundly
impactful teaching career at Mt. Vernon Senior High School. Over the ensuing 28 1/2
years, he befriended all and taught many who spent time at MVHS. Mr. Lackey was the
perennial favorite to win GE's Teacher of the Year and won the award frequently. No
matter the class or student, Mr. Lackey provided hours of understanding and mentoring.
Students loved his psychology classes, often secretly contemplated his mysterious
bachelorhood and delighted in his imperfect resemblance to Saturday Night Live's
"Church Lady". Mr. Lackey enjoyed his fellow teachers and was an avid runner. He
was always positive and upbeat never seeming to have a bad day. He was very
generous with his time, a great listener and never judgmental.
He met his best friend and partner in life Laurie in 1995 and they married in 1997. They
spent an adventurous honeymoon in Europe and (barely) returned home safely. He
became a father for the first time to daughters Laci (Barnhart) and Kali (Conkling) and
son, Wade Barnhart. Loryl always said, his children and grandchildren were his biggest
blessings. His many years of teaching prepared him well for fatherhood and all of its
rewards and challenges. His children especially enjoyed his sense of humor, caring
nature and very, VERY pragmatic gifts. He retired from teaching professionally in 1999.
His first grandchild Ethan Lee, was born in 2000 and Loryl became the legendary Papa.
Over the next 20 years, he tallied a total of 10 grandkids, providing unlimited free
instruction, guidance and unconditional love to each grandchild.
Each morning Loryl would read a scripture and the Daily Bread. He spent many hours
praying for his family and friends. Loryl never complained about his illness, he always
looked for the positive. No matter how Loryl was feeling he would walk Laurie to the door
in the morning and would say I will be praying for you today, be safe. He would be
standing in the door when she got home from work and would always say, I missed you, I
am glad you are home.
In addition to his life with Laurie and their grandchildren, he eagerly anticipated his
ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) group of friends and retired MVHS teachers. He
also spent time doing projects around the house, writing notes to no one in particular,
navigating email and having the occasional high ball. Loryl helped anyone who needed
it or asked... and some even asked again.
Loryl reluctantly accepted help from friends and family over the last couple of years. He
participated in Rock Steady Boxing to keep up his physical fitness. Loryl and Laurie
appreciate those that helped with transportation, household projects, meals, yard work,
and those who sat with him listening to him reminisce about the good old days.
Special thanks to all of his caregivers and physicians. Special thank you to Dr. Joanne
Wojcieszek of Indiana University Neurology and Dr. C Phillip Rhoton of Deaconess
Behavioral Health were exceptional leaders of Loryl's care. Also thank you to
Deaconess Hospice staff for supporting Loryl and our family as we cared for Loryl
during his final days at home.
Loryl is survived by his wife Laurie Lackey, children Laci (Mike) Barnhart, Kali (Mike)
Conkling and Wade (Shabnam) Barnhart. He is survived by grandchildren Ethan and
Abby Scott, Addison Whitfield, Miaka, Evie, Jace and Hannah Conkling, as well as
Nathan, Clare and Aaron Barnhart. Sister Bonnie McKay (Doug).
He is also survived by his Mother-in-Law, Carol Cole, sisters and brothers-in-law Judy
(Terry) Boehman, Keith (Jennifer) Wilson and nieces and nephews Colleen (Todd)
Xeimes, Brett (Kevin) Xeimes, Matt (Lori) Boehman, Aaron (Tracy) Boehman, and Jake
(Carrie) Boehman. Cousin Bill Barrett.
Due to the Coivd 19 virus the family will be having a private service. There will be a
Celebration of life in late spring or early summer of 2021.
Loryl's body was donated to IU for research in efforts to gain more knowledge about Lewy
Body Dementia. Even through his death Loryl continued to help others.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer Disease Research Pathology Indiana
University Foundation (0380009961) or the organization of your choice.
