Lawrence “LYLE” Spiess, age 94, of Liberty Center passed away peacefully at Defiance Inpatient Hospice early Wednesday morning November 5, 2014.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Hilda (Saul) Spiess, daughter Connie and son-in-law, Denny Cahill of Dublin, OH, granddaughters Julie Cahill and Erin (Tony) Kneflin and a great grandson, Graeme Michael Kneflin.
Lyle was a life-long resident of Liberty Center, Ohio. Born on May 25th, 1920, he was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Esther Spiess and daughter, Beth Ann Andrews
After serving in the Army Air Corp in the Pacific Theatre during World War II, Mr. Spiess began his career with The Ohio State University as the Fulton County Cooperative Extension Agent in 1947. In that position, he was instrumental in establishing 4-H Camp Palmer as a youth and adult retreat in Fayette, Ohio. He continued to be a major contributor throughout his life to 4-H Camp Palmer and the entrance is dedicated to Mr. Spiess and his deceased daughter, Beth Ann. He retired from The Ohio State University Extension Service in 1976 after 30 years of service. During his tenure, he created the 100 Bushel Corn Club, worked with the Cattlemen’s Association and was actively involved with the Fulton County Fair. In 1984, Mr. Spiess was inducted into the Fulton County Agricultural Hall of Fame. He was deemed an OSU Instructor Emeritus at his retirement. Mr. Spiess was known far and wide for his OSU clothing and was an AVID Buckeye fan. He and his family attended the 1976 Rose Bowl game in Pasadena, California. Mr. Spiess was a member of the Liberty Center United Methodist Church. He was a Free Mason and a member of the Order of the Scottish Rite, F&AM. He and his wife Hilda enjoyed over 40 years of retirement by traveling the United States with friends in their RV and wintering in Florida. Mr. Spiess enjoyed gardening and outdoor activities. He was an avid books-on-tape reader of historical novels.
The family would also like to thank caregivers, Jo Murrey, Lisa Wolpert, Amanda Chandler, Kelsey Bare, Rebecca Woodring, Shannon Baumbarger and Ruby Prater for their at-home support and assistance. Thanks, too, to the Community Health Professionals Hospice for their caring ways.
Friends will be received on Friday, November 7, 2014 from 11:00 – 12:00 Noon at Barnes Funeral Chapel, 5825 St Hwy 109 in Delta; where a funeral service celebrating Lyle’s life will begin at 12:00 Noon on Friday. Interment will follow at Young’s Cemetery in Liberty Center with military rites.
For those who would like to keep Lyle’s memory alive, and in lieu of flowers, donations (OSU Fund # 302345) can be sent in his name to 4-H Camp Palmer, c/o Mr. Bill Goodson, 26450 County Road MN, Fayette, Ohio 43521. Online condolences may be sent to through our website at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com.
