Lyle Richard Head

Lifelong resident of Bethel Acres, passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2017. He is survived by a son & daughter-in-law: Ricci Lyle Head & Rita of Bethel, daughter & son-in-law: Gwen & Jerry Melot of Bethel; 4 Grandchildren: Jason Lyle Melot of Bethel, Mandi Kordeliski and husband Terry of Norman, Justin Melot of Bethel, and Andrew Head and wife Amy of Tulsa; 9 Great-Grandchildren: Trey Kordeliski, Joey Melot, Chase Melot, Patrick Kordeliski, Tripp Melot, Ally Head, A.J. Head, Madi Melot, Ashley Head; 3 Sisters & Brothers-in-Law: Joy & Bill Stewart of Newcastle, Sharon & Merle Souders of Tecumseh, and Muriel & Jim Rose of Shawnee; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lyle was proceeded in death by his son, Randi, in 1971, and by his wife of 59 years, Peggy, in 2013. Lyle was employed at Tinker AFB for 34 years as a Computer Programmer Analyst Supervisor. In the mid 1960's until 1988, his team at Tinker were pioneers in the establishment of the modern day computer. They designed and wrote programs, installed main frames, and hard drives. They used paper punch cards and servers that filled entire rooms. Lyle remained friends with several co-workers after his retirement and considered them as close as family. Lyle also worked with his wife Peggy, for 15 years at Canadian Valley Electric, reading meters. He never met a stranger, and everyone in the community knew their green Jeep. Lyle was also involved in the Bethel Community, serving for over 25 years on the Bethel School Board as a member, and several terms as Board President. Lyle was proud that he was able to present all 4 of his grandchildren with their High School Diploma personally, as they crossed the stage to adulthood. Great-grandson Joey Melot, will graduate from Bethel in May, becoming the 5th generation of Lyle's family to do so. Lyle was a Bethel Basketball referee, Baseball umpire, Little League Coach, If the school needed a job done or a volunteer, Lyle would be first to step up. Whether bass fishing with his son Ricci, lake trips with daughter Gwen, or sitting on his front porch with a western book, Lyle touched many lives in his small community and will be greatly missed.   Viewing will begin Tuesday, January 17, 2017.  Graveside services will be 1:00 P.M. Thursday, January 19, 2017 at Blackburn Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at Walker Funeral Service on Thursday (prior to the service) from 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.