Lyle Lee Stephens
Age 85, passed away February 15, 2017. He was born September 24, 1931, in St. Johns, to Earl and Iva (Irish) Stephens. Lyle graduated from Imlay City High School, and served in the U.S. Air Force in Korea during the Korean conflict. He began his career working for the Michigan State Police, in the Department of Transportation, leaving there as a Lieutenant. Lyle owned Special Transportation (currently Dean Transportation), and was an innovator of devices for the benefit of handicap transportation. Most recently, he was involved in energy development, working on exploration and production of crude oil in Michigan. Lyle was a strong supporter of people with disabilities and Michigan Special Olympics.
Surviving are: his brother, Kenneth Stephens; special friend and companion, Pamela Bawcum; sister-in-law, Jeannet Stephens; cousins, Carol Rountree, Bob Stephens, Dick Stephens, Althea Smith, Dale Irish, Ruth Turner; the Dean family, and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Clare Stephens.
At Lyle’s request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Michigan Special Olympics, Ele’s Place, or Beekman Therapeutic Riding Center.
8 Messages to “Lyle Lee Stephens”
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Bill and Sue Stelzer
February 19, 2017 at 3:29 pmLyle was a truly exceptional person and will be missed greatly by so many.
Robert Davis family
February 20, 2017 at 10:39 amLyle was a very kind and generous man our families connection with Lyle was his love for horses, cows, dogs and MSU football. Our condolences to the family .
Darrell and Linda Fowler
February 21, 2017 at 1:27 pmI got to know Lyle through my friend Richard Halik. He was such a great man and deserved many more accolades then he will receive. I remember him at LEAF auction biding on school children’s art projects to the dismay of the parents because they couldn’t out bid him, only to find he gave the pictures back to the artist. He will remain in my mind as a truly great man and mentor.
DJ and Shelly Hannahs
February 21, 2017 at 8:30 pmLyle was a great friend and became a big part of our family! We enjoyed MSU games, cook outs, and time lounging at the farm. It was interesting hearing stories about his life. He was an awesome person who will be missed dearly!
Sonya Ford-Anthony
February 21, 2017 at 9:43 pmLyle was the boss of my mother and aunt. He was always such a gentleman. He loved people and always felt more like family than a boss. He was truly one of kind and will be greatly missed.
Sheryl Hurley Peterson
February 21, 2017 at 11:10 pmI started working at Special Trans. In 1989, and worked at his restaurant he owned in the cedar plaza during lunch and weekends, he was a great person to look up to. know Lyle as a wonderful person and friend, he has done many great things for lots of people around the community, and was treasured for his great gift of love for the handicapped as well as his workers, we looked up to you greatly. I like to think of us as his elves and him as our mentor, he will be greatly missed, bless his family in this timevof mourning . Rest peacefully my friend may God be your guide to our destiny that awaits for us all. You will always be in our hearts and memories of great times. Happy to of been in your presents as long as I had , to be a link in our lifes chain.
Respectfully yours Sheryl Hurley Peterson
Amanda Davis
February 25, 2017 at 6:58 pmWords can very describe the love and selflessness that this man showed to so many, including myself. As a complete stranger through word of livestock friends I met Lyle. He never treated me as a stranger although, but more as a trusted friend and “granddaughter.” Lyle showed me what it meant to not only believe in myself and dreams, but to pursue them as well. He never asked for anything in return for all the of generous gestures he showed me, only that I finish school and fight for myself. I will always cherish these memories and time spent. I know that there was a special place waiting for a man like Lyle in heaven.
All my love and condolences.
Ron and Deanie Gudac
February 26, 2017 at 2:34 pmWe knew Lyle for over 20 years as both a fine neighbor and a good friend. That is why we were very saddened to learn of his recent passing. Sending condolences to his entire family and to his close friends. He will definitely be missed by many, both here in Punta Gorda and in Lansing.