LYLE MIDDLETON

LYLE MIDDLETON

DES MOINES

A most humble and gracious gentleman, Lyle D. Middleton, 70, passed away peacefully at his home on December 1, 2007 afternoon after more than a 10 year challenge with Parkinson's disease. He was surrounded by his family.

Lyle was born on October 29, 1937 in Jefferson, Iowa. He was a farm boy, the 8th of 13 children of Carl and Zetta Middleton. Despite his love of the earth and the richness of Iowa's farmland, he left Jefferson to come to Drake University, where he received his Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Juris Doctorate from the Law School. It was at Drake that he met his bride, Joan Behrendt. They married on December 22, 1962,; his passing thus occurred just shy of 45 years of a marriage filled with love and a most beautiful friendship.

Upon graduation, rather than pursuing a career as an attorney, he joined his father and mother in-law, Herman and Betty Behrendt, in their business, which eventually became what was commonly known as The Atlas Companies. Lyle served as President and CEO of Atlas until, due to health challenges and his wish to travel more with Joan and the family, he transitioned to semi-retirement status in the late 1990's.

In addition to Lyle's passion for business and the people he felt privileged to meet during his career, including just as equally his employees, CEO's and colleagues from other companies, and those with whom many transactions never occurred, he was very close to his family and friends, he loved to travel, and he and Joan felt very fortunate to be able to give back to their community; most particularly, they focused their giving to individuals and organizations that supported the health and welfare of children and families. Lyle would be too modest to mention -- and embarrassed to omit any organization -- but was notably proud of establishing the Lyle and Joan Middleton Center for Children's Rights at Drake's Legal Clinic, as well as the Urban Education Program at Drake's School of Education. In addition, in partnership with Dick Jacobsen, Lyle and Joan sponsor the 2nd of three classes for I Have a Dream, comprised of 40 children originally from the Oakridge Neighborhood, all of whom who were in 3rd grade at the start of the program and will be graduating from high school in the next two years.

Lyle is survived by numerous family members and friends, including his wife, Joan, four daughters, Anne Middleton, Mary Middleton, Sara (Middleton) Bering, and Abby Middleton, as well as two incredible grandchildren, Nathaniel Burke Bering ("aka" Clyde" to Lyle's "Leroy"), and Elizabeth Claire Bering, the children of Sara and her husband Vitus Bering. He was also blessed with the love of Joan's three siblings, Michael, Mary Alice, and Tim, as well as the special relationship that he had with his nephew John Lowe.

Although he was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Zetta, as well as his brother, Dwight, and his sister, Betty, he is survived by nine of his other siblings: sister-in-law, Betty, Melba (Dick) Wilcox, Robert (Louise) Middleton, Ralph (Jeanann) Middleton, Darlene (Wendell) Hoskins, Rita Dunivan, Reva (David) Owen, Maureen (Robert) Franks, Norman Middleton, Sharon (James) Wortman, and Vernon (Darlene) Middleton. The numerous children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of his sisters and brothers would exceed the space on this page; however, he was grateful to have had such a large and loving family, all of whom gathered regularly, and with whom he remained connected until his death.

Lyle and the family also want to say how grateful we are to Virginia Morris, Latisha Terry, and Tammy Southwick, wonderful women who gave all of us love, care and patience until the day of Lyle's passing. Their gracious presence and care for him and for us was invaluable. We also want to thank Hospice of Central Iowa, an organization that everyone should take time to learn about, as they offered us tremendous assistance in Lyle's final days.

Lyle leaves a legacy of love and friendship, and a hope that all people remember their own possibilities. In celebration, a service will be held at Central Presbyterian Church on Friday, December 7, at 11 a.m., with a reception immediately following at the Embassy Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either I Have a Dream, or Drake's Urban Education Program or the Legal Clinic's Middleton Center for Children's Rights.