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Lyle Belknap Obituary

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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal from May 2 to May 3, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Lyle Belknap

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Sandy Fuller

May 9, 2012

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Debra Shattuck

May 9, 2012

Janice and Lyle Jr....I am so sorry to hear of your loss but rejoicing with the knowledge that he is reunited with Marie. I have so many wonderful childhood memories, memories I would not have, if not for the love, patience, and guidance of Lyle Sr. He had many many talks with me and I still to this day try to live by those. He opened my eyes to so much. I want to thank you both for sharing that wonderful man with me. God Bless to your family.

Ted Spagnuolo

May 6, 2012

So sad to hear about Lyle senior passing. I have very fond memories of your family. I think of those days in the 50's often, and always with a smile. Marie and Lyle were great people. I'm better having known them.
Ted Spagnuolo

Jan Squires

May 4, 2012

Our condolences to Janice and Litte Lyle. Your father was an inspiration to all who knew him. God bless and may he and Marie RIP.
Jim and Jan Squires

Mary LETTS Foess

May 3, 2012

Mary L. LETTS Foess, J.W. Sexton, class of 1963...I went to high school with his son. My sympathy...

John Hershey

May 2, 2012

Janice, I remember your dad well including grade school days, always pushing for sports and for kids, as supportive and upbeat as anyone I've known. A great guy. My best to you in this time.

Arlene Martin

May 2, 2012

I will forever remember the years at Walker. What a loving group we had with many memories of almost all of the Belknap families in the 50's and 60's. I thank the Lord for them all. May He comfort your hearts in your loss. Praying for you.

Arlene Martin

Bob Saleska

May 2, 2012

To Lyle and family, please accept my condolences for your loss. I have fond memories of Mr. Belknap and always enjoyed his stories about baseball in the old days.

Howard Evans

May 2, 2012

Janice, I am truly sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I know how close you were with your parents and you were always there making sure they didn't want for anything. I'm here if you need anything.

Howard

Bobby Wilcox

May 2, 2012

Lyle, some people, we can never have in our lives enough. How we honor them is by never forgetting and by representing them well. Blessings to you!

May 2, 2012

Lyle lived down the street from me. I met him one day when I was in Comstock Park he told me he had lived there forever and gave me some history of the park. He was such a wonderful man. He will be missed. It was kind of funny we had the same address only on a different street. I used to get his mail and he used to get mine. Bonnie Bennett

Barbara Brown

May 2, 2012

Lyle & family, so very sorry for your loss. I did not know your father, but from what was written about him it is obvious he was a wonderful man.

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