Lyle D. Kirkey

Mr. Lyle David Kirkey, age 84, passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Wellspring Lutheran Home in Frankenmuth surrounded by his loving family.

Lyle was born on March 25, 1941, in Flint, Michigan, to Walter & Esther (Cooper) Kirkey. He was raised alongside his sisters in Genesee County and attended the one-room schoolhouse on Lewis Road before graduating from Millington High School with the Class of 1959. During his high school years he was active in baseball, track & field, and basketball. Notably in basketball, he made the game winning shot with time expiring to win the district championship. On September 18, 1959, he married his high school sweetheart and love-of-his-life, Margaret Reed. Together they have shared countless memories, raised their children, and celebrated nearly 66 years of marriage.

Before retirement, Lyle worked at Universal Engineering in Frankenmuth and A/C Spark Plug as a tool inspector. For a time, he also sold real estate with Wilson Real Estate and ReMax. Lyle enjoyed the outdoors and liked to hunt and fish. Lyle was also an avid golfer and proudly scored a hole-in-one at Willow Springs Golf & Country Club. He and Margaret enjoyed bowling and were league partners for years and would often bowl at Candlelight Lanes. They also enjoyed wintering in Frostproof, Florida for over 25 years. Lyle liked watching westerns/cowboy movies in his “Florida Room” and waiting for his daughter to drive by and beep the car horn on her way to work. Above all, Lyle loved his family and will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Margaret Kirkey; daughters, Connie Sutherland and Carol Kirkey-Miller (Joseph Shemanski); grandchildren: Alex (Rachel) Myers, Larry Joe Kirkey, and Kristen (Joshua) Bednarski; several great-grandchildren; sisters, Charlotte Zuhlke, and Susan Walker; best friend & golf partner, Keith Phar; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Walter & Esther Kirkey; son, Larry Kirkey; grandson, Hunter Miller; sister, Shirley Opperman; and son-in-law, Richard Miller.

Lyle’s family will receive visitors at Hanlin Funeral Home – Millington from 3 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025; additional visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Pastor Terry Blackmer will preside. Afterward, Lyle will be laid to rest in Millington Township Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Millington Baptist Church.

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Lyle and his family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home - Millington. 4823 Main St, 48746. Phone (989) 871-4591.

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Millington & Vassar