He spent his early years growing up on 2 different farms his parents had rented. When he was a teenager his parents bought an acreage in Baldwin City, Kansas where his dad built a home for the family. He enjoyed his years on the farm with many family get togethers with aunts, uncles, and cousins. These get togethers usually included home made ice cream which he loved. Even to the end of his life. He graduated from Baldwin City High School in 1949.
He grew up in a Christian home and had heard the gospel since he was a young boy. As he grew older, he realized he was a lost sinner. He had fears that the Lord would return, and he would be left behind. After a conference in Blue Valley, Kansas he talked to his parents and his dad read Acts 16:31 Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. It was then that he told the Lord “I believe”. He said he had assurance of his salvation because the rest of the verse says, “and thou shalt be saved.” He rested in the confirmation of that verse.
He was in the Army from April 1951- April 21, 1953. He was stationed in Germany part of that time.
During his time in the Army, he started corresponding with Barbara Ferris. Her brother Harry had married his Aunt Mary. Lyle and Barbara were married Sept. 1, 1953, in Des Moines, Iowa They lived briefly in Baldwin City, Kansas where Tim and Steve were born, and Des Moines, Iowa. Then in late 1958 settled in Omaha, NE where Cindi and Diane were born and where they spent the rest of their lives.
Dad started at Western Electric in 1958, retiring in May 1992. Dad & Mom spent their retired years traveling. They took many trips just researching family history and visiting their kids and grandkids and went to many Bible Conferences. The big trip of their married life was a trip to Israel.
He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandkids.
They fellowshipped with the Christians at Keystone Bible Chapel (formerly Omaha Gospel Chapel) for over 60 years. In that time Dad served as a correspondent and elder. He and Mom loved the Christians at Keystone, and the believers there brought them some of the greatest joys in their life.
He loved the Lord, he was faithful, patient, kind, hospitable, long suffering, humble and had many other qualities that made him a great Dad. He loved to sing hymns and continued to sing them as he walked up and down the halls at Prairie Meadows even though towards the end, he could only remember some of the verses.
He lived life with joy and contentment, rarely ever complaining. Thank you for your love & care for both of our parents through the years.
He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, grandson Matthew Rockhold, and son-in-law Kent Donnelly. He is survived by sons Tim (Trudy) Rockhold, Steve (Dianne) Rockhold, daughters Cindi Donnelly & Diane Rockhold; 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
Visitation: Monday, February 12 from 5:30-7:30 pm at Keystone Bible Chapel, 7840 Maple St., Omaha, NE
Funeral Service: Tuesday, February 13 at 10:30 am, also at Keystone Bible Chapel. Interment: Evergreen Memorial Park
Memorials to be directed to the Keystone Bible Chapel
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