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Lyle Leroy Tennysonof Rapid City, South Dakota, died on Friday, December 13, 2024
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Lyle Leroy Tennyson was born September 29, 1925, in Quinn, South Dakota, the third of nine children born to Olaf and Kathryn (Overholt) Tennyson. Lyle grew up in the “dust bowl” of the “dirty thirties” when times were difficult and technologies such as electric lights were new to the Quinn area. Lyle enjoyed mathematics in school, which served him well in his future endeavors.
Lyle met Lorainne Thompson in high school and they were married in 1949. They were blessed with one daughter, Vivian. The family lived in Quinn and Hot Springs, South Dakota, during Lyle’s work years. Upon retirement he and Lorainne moved to Rapid City.
Lyle was one of the dwindling numbers of WWII veterans, having joined the US Navy in 1943 at the age of 18. He served as a Landing Craft (LCM) operator on Tinian Island in the Mariana Islands. Lyle was present at the unloading of the atomic bombs from the USS Indianapolis, which was sunk by enemy torpedoes shortly after unloading. Upon discharge from the Navy in 1945, Lyle returned to Quinn, SD where he worked at the hardware store until it closed. Lyle then began his long career with Birdsall Sand and Gravel where he retired in 1990 as the shop foreman mechanic/machinist. Lyle enjoyed staying busy and began woodworking after his retirement. He became an amazing clock maker, creating beautiful clocks of all sizes, including fabricating the internal workings himself.
Lyle enjoyed chatting about his life experiences with his friends, family and anyone who had an interest. He was a well-read man with vast knowledge and the ability to fix nearly anything that needed fixing. Though his body slowed down with advanced age his mind and his wit remained sharp until his last days. He was always appreciative of the kindness and help he received from his family and friends, as well as the staff at Echo Ridge Assisted Living.
Lyle is survived by his sisters Joan Paulson of Rapid City, and Twila Koopman of Ivanhoe, Minnesota; his grandchildren Patrick, Daniel, Brian, and Darin in Washington state and Amanda in Montana; sisters-in-law Shirley Tennyson of Rapid City, Fran Tennyson of Mitchell, and Marjorie Tennyson of Rapid City; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; as well as family friends Leann and Paul Sterk of Rapid City.
He was preceded in death by his wife Lorainne; his daughter Vivian; his parents; sisters Norma, Marlene and Ruby; brothers Eugene “Jack”, Gail, and George; and special nephew Norman.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 20, at Behren’s Wilson Funeral Home in Rapid City.
Military graveside rites will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 20, at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Quinn.
Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip.