James C. Kyle

James C. Kyle, 86, Topeka, died Friday, Oct. 20, 2006 at Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center.

He was born Feb. 25, 1920 in Oneida, the son of Earl and Rose Fisher Kyle. He graduated from Sabetha High School in 1940, and had lived in Topeka since April, 1946.

Mr. Kyle worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation for 41 years, and was supervisor of the sign shop when he retired in June, 1986. He also did independent leather repair work and sign making.

He served in Battery D, 130th Field Artillery of the Kansas Army National Guard from 1939-1940, before being drafted into the U.S. Army, serving from 1942 to 1944. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Topeka North Post #400 American Legion, Moose Lodge #555, and Kaw Valley Woodcarvers.

He served as chaplain of the State American Legion and at the VA Hospital, where he volunteered for many years. He formerly was a member of the U.S. Calvary at Ft. Riley. He was an Eagle Scout, and served as a commissioner for Jayhawk Area Boy Scout Council and received the Silver Beaver award. He also belonged to Ducks Unlimited, and taught Kansas hunter safety.

He married Myrtle Thomas on July 11, 1942 in Hiawatha. She survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Jane Kelly and husband, Bill, Topeka; two sisters, Donna Mae Rudd, Kansas City, MO and Emma Werley, Belton, MO; two brothers, Wilber Kyle and Walter Kyle, both of Sabetha; two grandchildren, Kyle and Jordan Kelly. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mildred Snook and a brother, Dale Kyle.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church. Interment will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Mr. Kyle will lie in state after noon Monday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m.

To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com.