Lyle Williams, age 74, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, passed away at his home in Oskaloosa on May 7, 2026. He was born on December 20, 1951, in Oskaloosa, the son of Fred “Tarzan” and Mildred (Phipps) Williams. He attended Oskaloosa Schools and graduated from Oskaloosa High School with the Class of 1970. On July 3, 1974, he was united in marriage to Melinda Myers in Oskaloosa. To this union Melissa, Tabatha, and John. Early on Lyle worked at a rock quarry and later worked for Clow Valve. Last he worked as a custodian for the Oskaloosa School District. In addition to his full-time jobs, his favorite “job” was being Santa Claus at Christmas time, a role he played for over 30 years in the Oskaloosa Community. Lyle enjoyed spending his days in the front yard enjoying nature and the company of his family and friends. He also enjoyed fishing, going to the races, and demolition derbies. He also enjoyed trying his luck at the casino. Most of all he loved his family, he always looked forward to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren coming to visit.
He is survived by his two children, John Williams and Tabatha (Bobby) Vanderhyde all of Oskaloosa; four grandchildren, Joshua, Michael, Austin (Abby), and Samantha Vanderhyde; two great grandchildren, Melissa Jane and Austin, Jr., and one on the way; two brothers, Mike Williams of Thornburg and Bill (Joy) Williams of Beacon; three sisters, Barb Decker of Washington D.C., Bonnie (Clarence) Beck of Florida, and Chris Hildeman of Omaha; and many nieces and nephews.
Lyle was preceded in death by his wife, Melinda Williams on October 31, 2025; his parents, a daughter, Melissa Williams; two brothers, Fred and Ray Williams; and a sister, Kay Avila.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 11:00 am. at the Bates Funeral Chapel with Reverend Adam Rogers officiating. Burial will follow services at Indianapolis Cemetery near What Cheer. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00. Memorials may be made to the family.
