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James Uriah lived long enough to see his son return from his mission with honor. Then he died on Dec. 10 1959. Maud spent most of her remaining years with Lyle and Dallas, until her death Jan. 4, 1965.
Nearly Bankrupt
When Lyle had returned from his mission, in 1959, not only was his father's health poor, but his own business with the Wight Brothers was horribly in debt. They had lost two pieces of property worth over half a million dollars because of this and were $60,000 dollars in debt. They had lost their credit at the Western Cedar Company. The sheriff came by within days to close down their yard and office on Arden Way.
Lyle pleaded with the sheriff to give them time to work out a payment schedule with their creditors. He met with the brothers and they put him in charge of the finances.
Lyle personally went around to each creditor and worked out payment schedules. After much hard work and a lot of sacrifice they had paid off each and every debt. This took a year and a half. But the Wight brothers, though honest, had no business sense. They began to resent Lyle for wielding such a tight hold on the finances, even though he had saved their business. So they dissolved the partnership.
Coleman Roofing
Lyle got one of the pickups when they split up the property and he took out his own contractor's license and "Coleman Roofing" was born. As Lyle had developed a good reputation as one who pays off his creditors he had no trouble getting all the credit he needed the rest of his life.
As a roofer he had occasion to offer employment to many of the young men in his stake. The work he gave them helped them earn enough money to pay for their own missions. And they became his friend for life.
He was such a fast roofer, and did such a good job, that the money began pouring in. He became successful, probably as a result of his willingness to serve the Lord, too.
More Church Service
One week after Lyle returned home to Sacramento from his mission, Pres. Albert B. Crandall called him back as a high councilor, which he served as until 1967. In all he serve 13 ½ years on the high council.
On January 5, 1965, Lyle and Dallas were called as ordinance workers in the new Oakland Temple. He served as a supervisor on Saturdays for 10 ½ years, missing only 2 days in all that time. In all, he worked for 23 years in the temple. After he could no longer work shifts, he would attend whenever possible and do endowments. Sometimes he would live for days at a time near the temple.
During the next nearly 30 years, Lyle served wherever he was asked. He took up to 11home teaching families, led the Sunday School, helped open and close Girls Camp.
Lyle served a total of 11 years in bishoprics, 13 ½ years as a high council member and 12 years in scouting. He presided over Elder's quorum and Sunday School with the same dedication.
Orphaned
Lyle's father died a few months after Lyle had returned from his mission. Lyle's mother then went to live with Lyle and Dallas. Dallas took such good care of Maud that she was worn to a frazzle. Finally, the doctor insisted that Maud go to a nursing home, or it would be the death of Dallas. Maud passed away Jan. 4, 1965.
Retired? Not Him
Lyle retired officially at age 78. But that didn't stop him from roofing. Besides helping others, he re-roofed his own garage at age 84, without telling his family.
He also took up golfing with Vern and even won a trophy in a tournament. Of course their wasn't a lot of competition in his age bracket.
But, like his brother, Vendon, Lyle was stricken with glaucoma, which he didn't catch in time. Despite drops in his eyes, his vision was stricken so he could not see to drive nor see at night. Everything was blurry to him. This incapacitated him to the point he would get depressed. He liked to be helping and busy, but now he could not even read. This was his one last hurdle. His
Anniversaries
In 1974, Lyle and Dallas had held a party celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. In 1984, they had another celebrating their 60th. An elaborate program was prepared. In 1993, a party celebrating Lyle's 90th birthday turned also into a celebration of Dallas' birthday and their upcoming 70th anniversary. But that wasn't enough for Dallas, so another celebration was held in June of 1994. In addition, their names were read on Paul Harvey's Noon News and Commentary, and they were featured on local television and in the Church News.
Called Home
Lyle's health continued to deteriorate slowly after that. Dallas took care of him until the last 10 days of his life, when the doctor insisted he be sent to a nursing home in South Sacramento. There he died on July 4, 1996. Dallas joined him a year later, on Sept. 2, 1997. Then, on Dec. 31, they came to take their retarded son, Fred, back home to be with them.
Eulogy
Grandpa's life can be recalled in the fine points of his outstanding character. For many of us he will be our most unforgettable character.
Growth. Grandpa was a scrapper. He was always small of physical stature, but we know he became a spiritual giant.
Lyle was born at home in Utah, with only a midwife attending. His childhood was in the days of horse and wagon, and he lived in the country with lots of opportunities for hard work. He had responsibilities at home as soon as he was old enough. He was able to attend school until he was about 16 or 17, but this meant living and working for 3 years with a Mr. Henry. He remembers being so valiant about attending Church that he would trudge through 2 feet of snow and got an award for perfect attendance, which was a Bible.
At age 20 he married Dallas Woodbury. They had three sons, Max, Vern and Fred. They lived for many years in Fallon, Nevada, where they ranched.
Forgiveness. It was in Fallon that Grandpa showed great character in the face of adversity. He worked out a deal with a man named Sam Miller. Grandpa would work for him for 2 years, preparing his ranch, in exchange for 40 acres and the use of Sam's equipment to prepare it. After the 2 years were up, Sam reneged on the deal. Not only that, but he spread a great lot of lies around about Lyle. Nevertheless, an eminently forgiving soul, Grandpa buried his hard feelings, remained his friend and worked with him MORE
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