Lyle Clark, 80, of Ottumwa, passed away Monday morning, February 20, 2023, at his home in Ottumwa.
Lyle Edwin Clark, son of George Owen and Zelphia Maxine (Haines) Clark, was born November 10, 1942, at his grandparents’ home near Macedonia, Iowa. The family moved to Lovilia when Lyle was in the 5th grade. He was a member of the first class to graduate from Twin Cedars High School in 1962. While in high school, Lyle worked as a hired man for area farmers. June 1, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Sue Scott. His first full-time job was with Ideal Manufacturing in Oskaloosa; in 1967, John Deere Manufacturing hired him in Ottumwa. For 29 of the 30 years he worked at John Deere, he was one of two burrmen in the machine shop, department 14. Lyle never lost his love of the farm and animals; while working at Deere, he purchased land and began to raise cattle. After retiring in 1997, Lyle devoted his time to his farm and cows. He collected pedal tractors and loved attending cattle auctions; he enjoyed visiting with the other buyers as much as choosing the animals. He was a member of the U.A.W.-Local 74 and the Bussey United Methodist Church.
Lyle’s family includes his wife, Sandra; his three sons: James Lyle Clark of West Des Moines, John Owen (Dannette) Clark of Ankeny, and Jeffrey Lane (Amy) Clark of Ottumwa; eight grandchildren: Heidi Pettyjohn, Jessica Clark-Roth, Timothy Wright, Jacob Clark, Austin Clark, Morgan Moyer, Taylor Clark, and Joseph Clark; 11 great-grandchildren; a brother, Steve (Tracy) Clark of Bussey; and a sister, Karen (Andy) Kraber of Knoxville.
In addition to his parents, Lyle was preceded in death by an infant son, Jordan, and two brothers: Richard and Lonnie Clark.
Funeral services for Lyle will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Molly Goodrich officiating. The burial will be in Coal Creek Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., Wednesday; the family will greet visitors from 4-6 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the Wapello County Rural Fire Department.
