Lyle Russell Belknap

Lyle Russell Belknap Lansing Lyle Russell Belknap, born September 21, 1918, in Richmond, Virginia, the son of Edward and Grace Belknap, passed away May 1, 2012. He is now in heaven with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Lyle is joyfully reunited with his beloved wife, Marie, who predeceased him on November 10, 2011. Lyle and Marie were devoted to each other and had been married for over 70 wonderful years. He is also welcomed by his mother and father; four brothers: Ken (Edna), Roland, Howard, Clinton; brother- and sister-in-law, Clayton (Natalie) Dean; brother-in-law, Ralph May; and nephew, Jack Sisco. Lyle graduated from Lansing Central High School and worked for Board of Water & Light as Superintendent of Stores, until his retirement in 1980. Lyle loved the Lord and served Him faithfully. He taught Sunday School and was the Church Song Leader at Walker Memorial Church. He was also a member of South Church for many years. He volunteered at several nursing homes and senior centers playing guitar, whistling and singing gospel music. Lyle participated in SPORTS all of his life and excelled in baseball. He played second base for the Chicago White Sox minor league and was active in Lansing baseball leagues as a player/coach. He spent endless hours playing, teaching and coaching teams for his children as well as many other youngsters. He loved his family and never missed a single sporting event, activity or music recital. What a happy life it was to have a "play with us" dad. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren, and was a loving, patient, fun, grandpa. He brought laughter and sunshine to the lives of those around him. To know him was to love him. He will be deeply missed, and we were so blessed to have (in our minds) the best dad in the world. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Hazel Findlay Manor, who were so kind and caring to dad: especially Andrea, Robin, Seth, Doug, and nurses Stacey, Diana and Wanda. Surviving to cherish his memory are: loving children, daughter, Janice Masters, son, Lyle (Katie) Belknap, beloved grandchildren, Sherry Begeny, Ben Belknap, Justin Colby, special loving nieces, Barbara Sisco and Lynne Dean, sisters-in-law, Frances Belknap and Audrey (Belknap) Nelson, many caring nephews and nieces and dear friends. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 4, 2012, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI 48933, with Pastor Jo Belknap, Charlotte Assembly of God, officiating. There will be visitation two hours prior to the funeral with burial service to follow at Deepdale Memorial Gardens. If you desire, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Lyle Belknap to Area 8 Special Olympics, Beekman Center, 2901 Wabash Drive, Lansing, MI 48910.