Lyle D. Florence

Lyle D. Florence, 89, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away May 27, 2023, at Midland Care Hospice House of Topeka.

Lyle was born February 23, 1934, south of Onaga, Kansas, the son of Clarence "Slim" and Tressie P. (Burdette) Florence.

He attended schools in Onaga, graduating from Onaga High School in the class of 1952. He married his loving wife, Lois (Flood) Kukovich, on October 22, 1966, in Topeka, Kansas. She preceded him in death on September 20, 1993. Lyle was one of five children and was preceded in death by his two brothers, Wayne "Cotton" Florence and Marion "Skip" Florence, and two sisters, Wilma "Pill" Meskimen and Mavis "Deanie" Fager.

Lyle spent his years working for Union Pacific Railroad and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. Plant, before he retired in 1994. He was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles for 55 years, where he enjoyed socializing at the Eagles Club. After moving to Thornton Place, he enjoyed their happy hour gathering and music. Lyle had a love for KU basketball and football and was even a season ticket holder for KU football, along with his brother, Marion.

Survivors include two stepsons, Dan Kukovich and David Kukovich (Silvia), a grandson, Dylan Kukovich, and a granddaughter, Natalie (Fairbank) Zeller, all of Topeka, Kansas. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and their families.

Lyle will be missed dearly by his friends and family. He was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever he could, in any way that he could. He thought the world of his grandchildren and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm followed by funeral services at 2:00 pm on Friday, June 2, 2023 at Mount Hope Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel. Private burial will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Cir, Topeka KS 66606.

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