Lyle A. Worthington, 78, of Little York, IL, passed away Wednesday morning, October 25, 2023, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL.
Lyle was the last of 13 children born to John A. and Mable M. (Cross) Worthington on July 29, 1945, in Avon, IL. He was educated in Bushnell-Prairie City Schools, graduating in 1963. Lyle believed education was important and assured that his family was supported and encouraged throughout their educational and career paths.
Lyle married Kathleen A Ewing, his childhood sweetheart, on June 21, 1964.
Lyle farmed 1200 acres for 60 years near Little York and served as a mentor to many young farmers in the area. He also was a tax preparer at Rose Reynolds Agency, a welder, a seed salesman for Funk’s G Hybrid, and a commodities broker. He also served on the Yorkwood School Board for 14 years. He was a church elder, Sunday school teacher, and volunteer firefighter with the Little York Fire Department. Lyle had a heart for children and dedicated his time to volunteer work as a coach and youth group leader. His work in these areas inspired his children to pursue careers in education and working with children.
Lyle trusted Christ as his personal savior in 1975 and that decision impacted every day from that point forward. He was a prayer warrior who shared his faith through his actions and words until his final day.
He enjoyed woodworking, refinishing furniture, and gardening. He was a lifelong learner and a creative problem-solver with an insatiable curiosity.
Lyle is survived by his wife of 59 years, Kathleen Worthington of Little York; his three children, Brian (Nicole) Worthington, Kelly (Steven Edson) Worthington, and Victor (Melody) Worthington all of Rochelle, IL; 6 grandchildren, Ben, Joe, Faith, Maddie, Wyatt, and Vivian; 2 sisters, Joyce Brewer of Galesburg, IL, Bernadine Bankes of TX; numerous nieces and nephews; dearest friends, Jackie and Lisa.
He is preceded in death by his parents; 6 sisters and 4 brothers.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, November 4, 2023, at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Interment will be at Gerlaw Cemetery, Gerlaw, IL. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, November 3, 2023, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Faith Bible Church, Oquawka, Little Cedar Church, Little York, or the Little York Fire Department and sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave an online condolence and favorite memories of Lyle, please visit www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com
