Lyle L. Jerome

Lyle L. Jerome, age 93, of Sumner, died Monday, August 7, 2017, at Masonic Pathways in Alma.

Lyle was born in Elm Hall on April 29, 1924, the son of Plinney Harry and Clemmia Arsula (Reichart) Jerome.  During WWII, he served his country in the US Army, being stationed in the Asiatic Pacific Theater.  He married Bethel Bernice Evey on December 13, 1947.  For over 30 years he worked at Alma Products, and also as a janitor at Sumner School.

Lyle loved woodworking.  He enjoyed making furniture, some of which he made for the Alma Library, and other things upon request.  He made the large cross which stands at a church on 46, the stage for the the Church of Christ, and cupboards for many people.  During summers he would coach baseball in Sumner, both Little League and Pee Wee leagues,  In winters, he enjoyed ice fishing.  In later years he worked at the North Star Golf Course.  He also enjoyed collecting baseball caps (he was an avid Tigers fan) and figurines.

Lyle is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Bethel; his children Gayla (Gary) Wilkinson of Perrinton, Denise (Richard) LaPaugh of Riverdale, Robin (Joe) Lepley of Greenville, Rod (Shelly) Jerome of Ithaca, Wendy (Darrel) Rauch of Sumner, and son-in-law Steve Smith of Ithaca; 21 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; and 7 great great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carla; his brothers: Richard, Howard, Dan, William, and Harvey; and his sister, Gladys Jones.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Friday, August 11, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Pastor George Showers officiating.  Interment will follow in Sumner Cemetery.  Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. on Friday, until the time of the service. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.