Tributes

Fred Faylor Lyle, Jr. passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the age of 86. He was born on July 20, 1939, in Columbus, Texas, to Fred F. Lyle, Sr., and Thelma Wilson Lyle of Colorado County, Texas. His mother died of cancer on December 7, 1941 (Pearl Harbor Day), when Fred was just 2½ years old. With his father serving in the Navy, Fred was raised by his maternal grandmother during his early years. After World War II, Fred Sr. returned home and later married Ernestine Wilpitz Lyle, who became Fred's stepmother and a beloved grandmother to our family. Fred graduated from Columbus High School in 1957 before attending The University of Texas at Austin. While at UT, he was elected to the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society and the Friars Society. He graduated with honors, earning a B.S. in Engineering in 1962 and an M.S. in Engineering in 1963. Fred credited much of his educational success to a dedicated high school teacher who personally helped him with his UT application and scholarship opportunities, making it financially possible for him to attend college. In June 1962, Fred married his college sweetheart, Louise Mohle Lyle, and they began their life together in Austin. In 1963, they moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, where he began his professional career with Tau Beta Pi. Fred and Louise lived in Knoxville for six years, where their children, Steven Fred and Carol Louise, were born. In 1969, Fred and his family returned to Texas, settling in San Antonio, where they joined Trinity United Methodist Church. Fred then began his 29-year career as a corrosion engineer with Southwest Research Institute. Throughout his life, Fred enjoyed golf, traveling, photography, reading, and spending time with family. He generously volunteered his time at his church, his children's and grandchildren's activities, and the Northside Lions Club. His lifelong love of learning and his belief that education is the key to success inspired him to support numerous charitable and educational causes. Above all, Fred was a loving, caring, and generous husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He—and that smile—will be dearly missed, along with his quick wit and even some of his complaints. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Louise; his son, Steve (April); and his daughter, Carol Wilson (Jeff). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Matthew Lyle (Stephanie), Denise Wilson Schepis (Anthony), Scott Lyle (Katie), Christy Wilson (Aaron), Todd Lyle (Presley), and Caleb Wilson. His great-grandchildren are Rhett Lyle, Bennett Lyle, Abbott Lyle, Anthony Schepis, Jack Lyle, Brynn Lyle, and Cheyenne Schepis (expected later this year). A memorial service and celebration of life for Fred Lyle will be held on August 1, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemetery Dominion, 20900 I-10, San Antonio, TX 78257. A reception will follow the service. The family wishes to express its gratitude to his caregivers over the past year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to: Northside Lions Club of San Antonio 824 Afterglow St. San Antonio, TX 78216 or Trinity United Methodist Church 6800 Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX 78240

Tributes

Fred Faylor Lyle Jr.

July 20, 1939 - July 6, 2026