Lyle Avey

On Sunday evening, March 1, Lyle Avey entered Heaven to a thunderous applause. Martin Lyle Avey was born January 31, 1944, in Menlo, Iowa to Edward and Jennie (Avey) Allen. He graduated from Guthrie Center High School where he was an outstanding athlete and scholar. It was at the University of Northern Iowa where he met his best friend, love of his life, and wife Karen. They were married June 11, 1966 in Ankeny, Iowa.

Lyle was the ultimate business man – having started his career with Sutherland Lumber Co. He later formed Building Supply Center in Lubbock and completed his career with the founding of ReTool. Lyle was a active member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church where he served on the board, numerous committees and was a member of the Crusader’s Sunday School class. When not working, Lyle enjoyed golf and fishing, especially in Canada and northern Minnesota, playing cards and being with his family.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, step father, Myron Allen, brother Norman Avey, sisters Pat Cisler, Karen Nimetz, Carol Lebeck, Connie Avey and nephew Doug Hummell.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Karen, sons, Mark (Lois) and Mike (Bonnie), grandchildren, Kayla Murphy, Quinn Avey, and step grandchildren, Hailey and Hayden Bowman; and great granddaughters Maddi Bender and Evie Murphy and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Luke’s Methodist Church, the Lyle and Karen Avey Endowed Scholarship at University of Northern Iowa, 204 Commons, Cedar Falls, Iowa, 50614-0282, or a charity of your choice.

Lyle's remains will be scattered in the Wildflower Scattering Garden at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa at a later date.