Lyle Walter Headley, 80, of La Grande, died Oct. 3 at his home. A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at the La Grande Church of the Nazarene. Daniels Chapel of the Valley is in charge of arrangements.
Lyle was born on July 7, 1927, to Clarence and Margaret (Paulison) Headley in Omaha, Neb. During World War II he served with the Merchant Marines.
On Jan. 8, 1950, he married Lillian Ruth McIntyre in Ralston, Neb. They lived in Nebraska for a time before moving to California where he was a self-employed heavy equipment operator. In 1969 they moved to the Gresham area. They later returned to California before residing in Chiloquin. His wife preceded him in death on June 28, 1998. In 2002 he moved to La Grande, which quickly became a favorite place of his.
Lyle was a member of the Lions Club and the American Legion. He was a former member of the Elks Lodge. He was a handyman that could fix about anything. He enjoyed woodworking, mechanics and remodeling. He also enjoyed car racing and vintage automobiles. Those who knew him say he was best known for his quirky sense of humor that will be missed by many.
Survivors include his children, Ruth Russell of Sweet Home, Sharon and Steve Helfrich of Boring and Mary and Pat Hoffman of La Grande; several grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and sister, Dorothy Thompson of Nebraska. He was “Poppa” to Max and Mark MacDonald and their families. He was preceded in death by brothers, Frank and Jay.
La Grande Observer – Obituaries for the week ending October 6, 2007-Published: October 6, 2007