Lyle Leroy Jay

Lyle Leroy Jay, 98, of Mingo died Saturday, Oct. 26 2013, at Nelson Manor in Newton surrounded by his family.

Lyle was born Jan. 10, 1915, in Collins to John and Inez Jay. He graduated from Collins High School in 1934. He was married Jan. 1, 1938, to Edith (Polly) Pearl Cummings of Maxwell and spent most of his life in Story and Jasper counties.

In early years, he farmed and worked for an ammunition plant, then worked at John Deere in Ankeny for several years until his retirement. In 1976, Lyle and Polly built a home in Mingo where they spent their remaining years. Lyle was a “Jack of all trades,” but his greatest passion was refinishing all the beautiful antiques he and Polly purchased or found in junkyards or garage sales. He could turn junk into a beautiful treasure.

Lyle was a member of the United Methodist Church in Mingo.

He is survived by a daughter, Susanne (Gordon) Fales of Mingo; son Jack (Delfina) Jay of Honduras; 13 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Polly; nine siblings; and daughter Julie Johnson.

There will be a service at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 at the Mingo Community Center with refreshments and fellowship to follow. He loved to read so in lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in Lyle's name can be made to the Mingo Library.