Lyle W. Burgess

Lyle W. Burgess, age 98, of Schererville, IN, passed away Monday, November 28, 2022. Beloved husband of the late Gracia G. Burgess, nee Lewis, and the late Jean E. Burgess, nee Hansen.  Loving father of Douglas (Penny) Burgess and Priscilla (Karl) Madsen. Cherished grandfather of Shannon (Brennan) Silver, Adam (Jesse) Burgess, and Olivia (John) Doss; great-grandfather of Theo, Colin, and Wyatt Silver. Dear brother of the late Freddie Burgess and the late Claude Burgess.  Beloved son of the late Phillip and Lulu Burgess.  Visitation Thursday, December 8, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN. Graveside service Friday, December 9, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Lusk Memorial Cemetery – Albany, IL. For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com

Lyle was born in Tampico, IL. Thereafter he lived in Evanston, IL, Skokie, IL, Wilmette, IL, Woodstock, IL, and Schererville, IN. Lyle was a devout member of the United Methodist Church of Evanston, the Free Methodist Church of Evanston, and the Free Methodist Church of Woodstock. He and late wife Jean were active members of Gideons International since 1983. Lyle earned a BA from Central Methodist College, graduated from a 2-year business college, and attended Garret Biblical Institute. He served as student pastor for the United Methodist Church in Missouri and in the Joliet-Dixon area as well. He later worked at State Bank & Trust for 10 years before moving on to the United Methodist Church, General Board of Pensions for 35 years. He finally retired at age 75, having worked late into life because he enjoyed his final position so much. Lyle found 1,348 people, pastors, or members of church agencies, to whom money was owed. They returned over $20 million, including to 17 foreign countries.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 278, Saint John, IN  46373.