Lyman Weigle

Lyman Weigle, 97, moved on to another dimension on Monday, September 20, 2021.

Born in Chicago on Valentine’s Day, 1924, Lyman grew up on a farm east of Winfield, son of Methodist Minister Frank and Flora Weigle. He graduated from Winfield High in the class of 1942 and enlisted in the Army Air Force in March 1943. Lyman completed thirty-four missions and 300 combat hours over Europe as a ball turret gunner in a B-24. When interviewed after the war, Lyman admitted he was only fearful 34 times while seated in the most vulnerable plane location.

After returning to Winfield in October 1945, Lyman re-entered college at Southwestern and married high school sweetheart Mary Miller in 1946. Their 71-year marriage ended in 2018 with Mary’s passing. He is remembered by friends and acquaintances as a “dear, sweet, kind, and loving man,” always bearing a smile and cheerful demeanor.

While working as an accountant and office manager in Wichita for 20+ years, Lyman and Mary’s immediate family consisted of daughter Joy Weigle Will of Mabelton, GA; son Brad of Lawai, Hawai’i; son Stuart (d. 1972), and daughter Jean (d. 1960). In 1968, the family moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, for Stuart’s health and subsequently lived there for 22 years where Lyman managed office operations for Young’s Meats and Provisions and Mary taught social studies at Hawaii Baptist Academy and Kamehameha Schools. Their home was a focal spot for friends and families visiting from Kansas. All were greeted and entertained with a true spirit of Aloha. The spirit of adventure was passed on to Joy, Brad, and family who have lived and worked in numerous remote and exotic locales around the globe. Grandchildren include Joshua Will, his wife Amelie, & sons Finn & Reed; and Lindsey Will Majekodunmi, her husband Ibrahim, & sons Xavier and Zander.

After retiring in 1989, Lyman and Mary moved to Rogers, Arkansas, building a lakefront log mansion on Beaver Lake where they continued to entertain family and friends while enjoying a lively community and a large garden plot. Lyman could usually be found in his woodworking shop, building a variety of furniture, cabinets, and frames for their new home and for friends, a life-long avocation that started after training in high school. Their final move was a return to Winfield in 2005, building a home in Cumbernauld Village and reuniting with friends from throughout their lives.

Shelley Family Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements, cremation will take effect and no service will be held. Instead, the family requests that you take a few moments to remember and reflect on the positive moments and interactions with our families – Weigle, Miller, Dias, Will, Swartz, Moon, and on. Mahalo!

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