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Walter Pyle Obituary
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WALTER PYLE SR.
JERSEYVILLE — Walter E. Pyle, Sr., 82, formerly of Wood River, passed away at 3:57 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was born on Sept. 28, 1932, in Vandalia, Ill., and was the son of the late George and Ethel (Ray) Pyle. He married the former Leslie Patton on March 2, 1976, and they later divorced. She preceded him in death on April 16, 2011. He then married the former Sandra Fry Stark on April 27, 2004, in Jerseyville, and she survives. Other survivors include one son, Gene Pyle of Cape Girardeau, Mo. , two daughters and sons-in- law, Tara Pelan and her husband, Spencer Rowell of Portland, Ore., Amy and Travis Cook of Wood River, a special son, Ian Patton of Wood River; five grandchildren: Gregory, Brittany, Brandy, Canaan, Leslie, five stepchildren: Cynthia Morrow of Kane, Carl Stark of Carlinville, Kyle and Mindy Stark of Roodhouse, Lucas Stark of Kane, Crystal Burrell and her husband, Rick, of Godfrey, and their children; and one brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Verna Pyle of Vandalia.
He was formerly employed as a biology teacher at East Alton-Wood River High School for 33 years prior to his retirement in 1991. He was the former vice president of the Wood River-Hartford District 15 School Board. He was formerly the President of the Community Educational Federal Credit Union in Wood River. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals, watching the Illini, and watching old westerns. He enjoyed playing cards with his brothers-in-law and friends. He was a member of New Life Tabernacle in Delhi. He was a veteran of the United States Army.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 4 until time of funeral services at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Pastor Kim Bell will officiate. Following the funeral services, and, in accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Inurnment will be at a later date at Green Hill Cemetery in Van Burensburg, Ill.
Memorials are suggested to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Pyle
Evelyn Hall (Kitsch)
January 28, 2015
A Great Teacher,Administrator and Person!
January 28, 2015
I remember him. He was a great Teacher! Evelyn Hall (Kitsch)...Class of 75
Becky Hopkins Batson
January 23, 2015
One of the most amazing teachers ever! RIP
Class of 1971
joyce lockwoor
January 22, 2015
You know u have my heartfelt sincere sympathy in your loss. Sandy may God sustain you during this most difficult time in your life.
Debbie Mount
January 22, 2015
Mr Pyle RIP . Great teacher. 1975
Nancy Carlson
January 22, 2015
Mr. Pyle was the best biology teacher at EAWRCHS. Rest in peace. Nancy Sands-Carlson, class of 1984.
Linda Sepo Kirkpatrick
January 22, 2015
Mr. Pyle was a wonderful teacher. I took his Biology class in 1965.
JoAnna Depper
January 22, 2015
One of my favorite teachers of all time! Heaven received a good man.
JoAnna Depper Class of 1989.
tena norton
January 21, 2015
rip mr pyle you where a great teacher and always there for us tena norton class 1982
Jim Johnson
January 21, 2015
What a great teacher,he will be sadly missed by many. You were a great person
January 21, 2015
very helpful teacher class of 1964
January 21, 2015
May the Lord's arm that reached out and took you home also carry you to the Heavens and the beautiful light in which we all shall pass and receive his glory and grace. Prayers for the family and thoughts of your pain and sending prayers for your memories to turn from anguish to smiles of his memory and love. I love you Sandy - your cousin Mary
Jackye Wilson ( Ranz)
January 21, 2015
A great man and a great teacher.
Cindy Soliday
January 20, 2015
Mr. Pyle was my favorite high school teacher and I feel fortunate to have had him for Biology. He was kind and genuinely interested in his students. In his class I learned to love science - he made it fun! I credit Mr. Pyle for sending me on my way to study Biology in college and have worked in Genetics my entire career. Thanks for my start Mr. Pyle! I will always remember you fondly.
Carol Sever
January 19, 2015
Walter Pyle was a good man and a wonderful teacher. He took the time to help me when I was troubled in High school. When I married he was at my wedding. He was my friend and I have always wanted to tell him how much of a positive impact he had in my life. Mr.Pyle rest in peace and Thank you for believing in me.
Kimerly Robinson
January 18, 2015
My condolences to the Pyle Family. My prayers are with each of you. Sandy and Crystal, many hugs to you. If you need me call and I'll be there.
donna hanneken
January 17, 2015
One of my most favorite teachers. My condolences to the family
Donna (Jones) Hanneken
Class Of 1969 EAWR
randy scoggins
January 17, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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Pitchford Funeral Home - Wood River2555 Vaughn Road, Wood River, IL 62095
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