The Garden City Telegram
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Lyle Sturdy
Published 2/1/2010 in Obituaries
HUGOTON -- Lyle Gortner Sturdy, 89, died Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, at his home in Hugoton.He was born Dec. 20, 1920, in Mt. Hope, to Oscar and Ilah Gortner Sturdy. He graduated from Hugoton High School, later returning to his alma mater to teach and coach.
Mr. Sturdy played football and was on the track team at Wichita State University from 1940 through 1943 and was a starting fullback in 1941 and 1942. He was named an honorable mention Small College All-American in 1942 and was invited to play in the East-West Shrine Game in San Francisco. Drafted by the NFL's Chicago Bears in 1943, he instead fulfilled his obligation to the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II. In 1988, he was inducted into the Shocker Sports Hall of Fame for his football team, as well as the track team.
On Oct. 20, 1944, he married Betty Ely in Wichita.
A lifetime resident of Hugoton, he taught and coached at Hugoton High School before retiring in 1972. He then took over the family farm in Hugoton, retiring from that in 1986. He and his wife enjoyed golfing throughout the United States and also loved to travel to other countries.
Mr. Sturdy was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge, both at Hugoton, served on the Alumni Board of Directors for Wichita State University and was inducted into the Shocker Sports Hall of Fame in 1988 for football and track.
In addition to his wife, other survivors include a niece, Lynn Dale of Garden City; three grandnieces, Stephanie Sue Rowen of Van Alstyne, Texas, Teresa Lyn Fulps of Liberty Hill, Texas, and Andrea Jo Hemmert of Manhattan; and six great-nieces and great-nephews, Devon Micheal Rowen, Lyle Jeffery Rowen, Olivia Nicole Rowen, Gage Ely Fulps, Miranda Kaye and Ethan Cole. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the United Methodist Church, Hugoton, officiated by the Rev. Harry Cross and Keith Peachey, pastor.
Visitation hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Tuesday at Paul's Funeral Home, Hugoton. Memorials are suggested to the Hugoton High School Football Scholarship Fund, in care of the funeral home, Box 236, Hugoton, KS 67951.
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