Lyle was born on June 17, 1943 in Webster, Kansas to his parents, Ray and Lula (Folsom) Dunning. He grew up in Webster and Stockton, in a large family, the fifth of eight children – Duane, David, Larry Gale, Loren, Nola, Alan, and Merl.
At fourteen, Lyle began working in the Stockton Bakery. After graduation from Webster High School in 1961, he attended barber school, and barbered in Osborne, Stockton, and Plainville. He could cut a great flattop for a buck-twenty five! In 1970, Lyle began working for the Plainville Post Office and eventually became Postmaster until his retirement in 2000.
Eight months after their first date, Lyle married Nancy Ann Griffin on November 4, 1962 in Stockton. Throughout their 58 years of marriage, they were deeply devoted to one another and honored their vows and commitment to their love for each other and their love for the Lord. When they attended weddings in the last several years, they always won the “longest married” category at the wedding dance. As they danced, they gazed lovingly at each other, as if they were 18 years old again, every single time.
Lyle and Nancy had three children: Julie Ann, Rex Lyle and Jill Christine.
Lyle was a familiar face to Plainville residents, from working at the post office to being a chain-gang member at high school football games to maintaining the local car wash for years. His contributions to the Rooks County community were endless, including serving as a volunteer firefighter, Search and Rescue Team, and prison ministry. He loved his Harley and being a part of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA). Some of Lyle’s hobbies included building and flying radio-controlled gas-powered model airplanes, fishing, woodworking, antiquing, taking rides and trips on his Harley, hunting, playing the guitar and harmonica and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed many mornings having coffee with his friends at Apco. Lyle was a family man and will be especially missed at Christmas, as for years on Christmas Eve night, he would share the story of the Birth of Jesus with his family, as well as read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Lyle is reunited in Heaven with his beloved son, Rex Lyle, granddaughter, Faith Noelle Hutton, parents, Ray and Lula Dunning, in-laws, Mervin and Elnora Griffin, and brothers, Larry Gale, Loren, and David. Plus, a whole host of others who have paved the way and have greeted him with joy and open arms!
Those who adored Lyle and will miss him here on earth include his wife Nancy; daughters Julie (Darrin) Dillingham of McFarland and Jill (Michael) Robertson of Wichita; granddaughters, Chelsey (Jeremy) Stephenson; Erica (Ray) Cunningham; Kailey (Derik) Flerlage; Amanda Dillingham; Jennifer Dillingham; Emma (Alyssa) Lidstrom; Ellie (Juan) Lidstrom; and Claire (Ty) Lidstrom; and grandson, Ean Chestnut. Great grandchildren JaColby, Tanner, Cayden, Rylan, Padyn, Bryndalyn, Knox, Abel, Maverick and Leighton; siblings, Duane Dunning, Nola (Jerry) Bump, Alan (Lila) Dunning, Merl (Nita) Dunning; nieces, nephews, his dog, Pokie, and many, many friends.
Lyle and Nancy shared a deep faith, which was reflected in how they live their lives. They were long-time members of the First Southern Baptist Church in Plainville and are current members of Harvest Fellowship Church in Plainville, where Lyle served as an Elder. There are countless stories of how Lyle’s witness moved others and touched lives. Even through the pain and cloudiness of his last days on earth, Lyle praised His God. Those who knew him, knew that Lyle believed we should be like Jesus, because we may be the only Jesus people see. He loved to share his faith with anyone – he did not know a stranger. It has been said of Lyle that everything started and was settled with coffee - many a good conversation was had over a steaming cup of fresh brewed coffee.
Lyle’s family and friends draw comfort from the fact that Lyle was at peace with knowing he was going to Heaven. He said he would meet them there, and would be waiting for his loving wife, Nancy. There is no doubt when Lyle arrived at those Holy Gates, that Jesus Himself was standing waiting for him, saying, “Welcome, Lyle – Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved, we can never lose,
for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.”
– Helen Keller
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the church or charity of your choice; or if you like, pass along an act of kindness to honor the memory of a life well-lived.
A Celebration of Life for Lyle Dunning will be held Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 10:30 AM at the Nazarene Church Community Building, 109 Meridian Street S, Plainville, KS. In his honor, if you’d like, please plan to bring a coffee mug and wear your favorite flannel, as Lyle often would during this, his favorite season.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MyLakeviewFuneralHome.com for the Dunning family.
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