Lyle Angus Esplin

1941 - 2023

Lyle Angus Esplin, 81 of Smithfield, Utah, passed away on January 1, 2023, due to complications of Pneumonia while wintering in Casa Grande, Arizona.

Lyle was born in Preston, Idaho to Angus and Beulah Esplin on March 10, 1941. He grew up farming with his family in Dayton, Preston, and Trenton where he learned the value of hard work. He loved horses and was a fine horseman. Lyle graduated from North Cache High School and attended Salt Lake Trade Tech College.

Lyle was introduced to his eternal partner, Diana Tout, through his best friend Paul Buttars. Diane and Lyle were married on February 1, 1961. They began their life together living in Trenton and Smithfield, then moving to Hyrum. During their years there, they had cherished friendships and wonderful memories while participating in the Hyrum Saddle Club.

Lyle spent his early career driving semi-trucks and then he took an 8-year break running a farm in Richmond. He then returned to driving. His dream was to have his own trucking business. That dream came true when he and his son, Jodie, began their own transportation business, Trail Riders, Inc.

Lyle and Diane served two consecutive 18-month missions at Cinnamon Creek Youth Camp from 2011-2014, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout his life, Lyle enjoyed serving as a home teacher for members of his ward. Many special memories of his life were spent in the outdoors including camping, riding horses, and later in life, four-wheeling with his family and friends.

He is survived by seven children: Jamie Andrus (Mark); Jodie (Janan); Jackie Benavides (Mitchell); Jennette; JuliAnn Weber (Michael); Janell; Jeremiah (Alisa); 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Lynn, and Gary. Sisters-in-law are Susan Tout Michener and Nanette Tout King. Lyle was preceded in death by his wife, Diana, sisters, Veda Esplin and Verna Wilden, brothers-in-law, Edward Michener and Lowell King, and a grandson, Nicholas Benavides.

Funeral Services will be held at noon on Saturday Jan 14th, at the Smithfield 7th Ward LDS Chapel, 50 E 200 S, Smithfield. A viewing will be held on Friday January 13th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, at the same location and from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the services on Saturday at the church. The internment will take place at the Smithfield Cemetery.

Condolences & memories may be shared online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com