Lyle Smith, son of the late Lennis and Martha Smith of Portage, passed away Monday, December 2, 2019 in
Tucson, AZ after a period of declining health.
He was born July 8, 1931. Lyle and his wife moved to Tucson in 2005 to enjoy their sunny retirement
years.
Lyle graduated from Ohio State University before joining the Air Force in 1954. During Lyle’s Air Force
career, he and the family enjoyed several tours in Texas, as well as Prestwick, Scotland and Clark AFB,
the Philippines as he accumulated over 2,000 hours flying as a Navigator. Lyle served a year in Vietnam,
serving in the office of the Supreme Allied Commander – Vietnam, returning to Travis AFB where he served
as Chief of Plans.
Lyle retired from Travis AFB in 1974 as a Lt. Colonel in the USAF and subsequently started and operated
an insulation company.
Lyle is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara, his children Teresa (Stu Ryland) and son Lyle
(Debbie), five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Internment with full military honors will be held at the Sacramento Valley Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery at
noon on December 12.
Service at Sacramento Valley Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Dixon at noon on December 12.
