David Ralph Lyke

David Ralph Lyke, age 91, passed away on June 1, 2024, in Palm Coast, Florida, as his loving family sang, “It Is Well With My Soul.”

Born on February 24, 1933 in Speedwell, TN, Dave (also known as “Uncle Ralph” to family and childhood friends) was one of seven children born to Rowland and Loma (McCarty) Lyke. After moving to Monroe, MI with his family, he met the love of his life, Fontella (Fon) Edmondson. Dave graduated from Monroe High School in 1952. He then proudly served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1955. On August 24, 1953, while on a weekend pass from Fort Knox, Dave and Fon married in Monroe, MI. After his military service, Dave began a long career of working in human resources with a focus on employee benefits, primarily for Ford Motor Company. 

Dave’s faith in Christ was the foundation of his life and a source of wisdom and encouragement to those who knew him. Music and ministry were his passions. He was a soloist, sang in quartets and choirs, and he served as a Minister of Music for a number of congregations, primarily at Monroe First Church of the Nazarene. Dave was also a leading member of Concert Ministries Inc. choir for 40 years, and a longtime member of the Church of the Nazarene. He deeply loved reading and exploring his family heritage and genealogy. 

After their retirement in 1995, Dave and Fon continued their ministry internationally, which included teaching English in China and singing with the Michigan Concert Choir in Moscow and Israel. Dave also made multiple mission trips to Africa, South America, and the Caribbean while serving locally through Faith in Action Ministries in Monroe.  

Dave and Fon were gracious hosts to many gatherings at their home over the years: for family, their church family, the “Deco Crew”, and many dear friends. They are known for sharing delicious dinners and fellowship. Dave and Fon recently moved to Palm Coast in July of 2023.  

Lovingly referred to as “Papaw” by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, he was famous for his delicious homemade popcorn, funny quips, rides through the woods on the golf cart, and singing and playing memorable songs on his guitar.  Annual Thanksgiving dinners always began hand in hand, with Papaw leading the family in singing the Doxology. Puzzles and pie followed, and the day always ended with a family bonfire. 

Dave is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Fontella; a son, Alan (Marilyn) Lyke; daughters Ellie (Tom) Lenkevich, Carrie (Barry) Chooljian, and Becky (Bruce) Brown; a sister, Fern (Ed) Hamel; 11 grandchildren: David (Julie) Lyke, Lindsey (David) Besedich, Ariana (Zack) Barber, Jonathan (Jadh) Lyke, Jessica Wahl, Kelsie Wahl, Lauren (Matt) Baer, Chelsea Jo (Anthony) Calo, Grace Brown, Cara (Jackson) Spidell & Zach Brown; 14 great-grandchildren: Ryleigh Wahl, Bennett Besedich, Gentry Besedich, Beaux Wahl, David Barber, Emory Besedich, Vivienne Calo, Henry Barber, Eddie Calo, Anastasia Lyke, Archie Calo, Jenevieve Lyke, Ruby Baer, & Vincent Lyke and by a host of extended family members & friends. Dave was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Lowrene Morgan, Emerson “Ray” Lyke, Rogers Lyke, Eula “Bootsie” Sparks & Ronnie Lyke; a son, Danny Lyke and a great-granddaughter, Ceridwen Lyke.

“There have been times of testing,” Dave once wrote, “but I have learned - as it says in Psalm 27 - wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart.”

A memorial service to celebrate the life of David Ralph Lyke will be held on August 24, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 at Monroe Nazarene in Monroe, MI. Final resting place will be Roselawn Cemetery in Monroe, MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Monroe Nazarene Church, 3401 S. Custer Road, Monroe, MI 48161. Website: https://mn.church/give. 

The family of Mr. Lyke have entrusted his arrangements to Clymer Funeral Home & Cremations. Condolences may be left at clymerfuneralhome.com