Lyle Elmer Younker

December 21, 1926 - December 27, 2013

Lyle Elmer Younker Obituary (Age 87) On Friday, December 27, 2013, Lyle Elmer Younker went peacefully home to be with the Lord, and his loving wife, Wanda, who preceded him in death on November 27, 2011. Lyle was born in Sandpoint, Idaho on December 21, 1926, to Alfred and Mary Younker. He attended grade school in Trout Creek, Montana and Pullman, WA., and graduated from Thompson Falls H.S. in 1944. During summer months in high school, he began working for the Northern Pacific Railroad. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Maritime Service and was released from active duty as Seaman 1st class in May, 1945. In 1946-1947, he served with the Army 88th Division Band, in the U.S. and Italy. While in the service in the Washington D.C. area, he met his lovely future wife, Wanda Thomas on a blind date. Following his discharge from the Army, Lyle returned to Washington State and continued working for the Railroad. On Valentine's Day, 1948, Lyle and Wanda were married in Seattle, WA. Lyle's job as signal maintainer for the railroad took him and the family to Spokane, Thompson Falls, Pasco, and Sprague. In 1967, Burlington Northern moved Lyle and the family to Spokane to work as a signal maintainer, which he did until his retirement in 1988 (43 years). Lyle and Wanda lived in their Spokane home for over 45 years. After Lyle's retirement they enjoyed many years of travel and made many wonderful memories. During his years in Sprague, Lyle was actively involved as a volunteer fireman, city councilman, Little League baseball coach, and with Sprague Community Church. After moving to Spokane, he was an active member of Fourth Memorial Church where he enjoyed serving others through the years. Lyle also enjoyed the outdoors and took his family on many fun camping trips throughout the years, retracing his Idaho and Montana childhood memories. The family also enjoyed train rides to Missouri to visit Wanda's family. Lyle was an avid sportsman and enjoyed many years of fishing and hunting ducks, geese, deer and elk with his son, Don, and other friends and family. In the last few months while Lyle stayed at Riverview Terrace he liked having Don and Gale take him for a stroll along the river to call the ducks and geese, and to feed them. Lyle loved watching things grow, especially his annual garden of vegetables and fruit. Many neighbors, friends and family benefited from his green thumb, his wonderful giving heart and an abundant supply of produce. Through the years, Lyle also gave from his heart and a willing spirit to the needs of neighbors, friends and family. Lyle was preceded in death by his loving wife, Wanda (of 63 years); their infant daughter, Connie Lee; brother, Arthur (Arlene). He is survived by his son, Don Younker (Toni); daughter, Gale Smith (Maurice); grandchildren, Brandon Smith (Lisa) and Melanie Smith; sister, Minnie Sexton; brother, Keith Younker (Lynn); and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank everyone who had a part in caring for Lyle through this time of illness, including the staff of Riverview Terrace, Manor Care and Dr. Jeffrey O'Connor. A celebration of Lyle's life will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2014 at 3:00pm at Heritage Funeral Home. All are welcome to attend. Pastor Rick Haffner will officiate. The family encourages donations to the charity of your choice in Lyle's memory. � To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Lyle, please visit our Tree Store. Read more Events DEC 27