William B. "Bernie" Lyle

December 10, 1960 — January 03, 2024

William Lyle

Service Details

William Bernard ‘Bernie’ Lyle, 63, passed away peacefully at home on January 3, 2024. He was born the son of Arnold Jr. and Ethel (Spivey) Lyle on December 10, 1960 in Des Moines, Iowa. Bernie attended Des Moines Technical High School (’79) and continued his studies at the University of Iowa. While in college, he served as a photographer for the Johnson County Weekly News, freelanced for independent, student-run newspaper, The Daily Iowan, and volunteered for the University of Iowa Hawkeye Yearbook. In 1989, he completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism & Mass Communication. Upon returning to Des Moines, he furthered his academic repertoire by obtaining his Teacher’s Certification from Grandview University, as well as a degree in Bible & Organizational Leadership through Grace University’s EXCEL Program. Bernie worked as a Behavior Disability Teacher for DMPS from ’97-’99 before shifting to Program Director at Bethphage, where he managed several group homes on the east side of Des Moines. In 2000, he settled into a long-term career assignment at Goodwill of Central Iowa, serving as a Workforce Development Counselor until 2015.

Bernie was a great man of faith. He was a longtime member of Grace Church, but in 2011, he helped found Grace Fellowship of Des Moines, which ultimately became his church home. To say he was involved with his church community would be an understatement! He wore many hats, most notably deacon, teacher, and worship team member. An avid percussionist, Bernie delivered endless praise though his gift of musicianship. He was a man of never-ending service - even as he, himself, endured countless health challenges. Many in his circle were held in constant consideration, often receiving weekly texts with the sentiment: “I am praying for you today!” Bernie displayed love, gave love, and was love.

Other highlights of his journey earthside include his time as a photojournalist at The Communicator, a black-owned weekly newspaper in Des Moines, several years at Orchard Place in various capacities (Dietary Manager, mentor/tutor), adult literacy tutoring volunteer at Drake University, and a mission trip to Haiti in ’99. Bernie loved cats and was an avid firearms/ weaponry enthusiast. He also enjoyed reading, keeping up with current events, the Iowa Hawkeyes, and spreading the gospel via his blog site: themusingsfromanidlemind.com.

He is survived by his brother, Arnold Lyle III (Jeanette), niece, Diandra Lyle (Robert), as well as a host of other loving relatives and many, many special friends. He was preceded in death by his devoted parents, Arnold Lyle Jr and Ethel Lyle, sister, Lillian Lyle, and his sweet kitties, Claw’d, Lenny, and Moose.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this year when the weather warms. Online condolences can be shared via Bernie’s obituary page at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print