Lyle Ray Means

Obituary for Lyle Means

Lyle Ray Means had a full and loving life in his 80 years. He passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2017, at his home in Agua Dulce, California. Lyle was born on July 3, 1936, to Dorsey and Madge Means in Marienville, Pennsylvania, one of 10 children. He graduated from East Forest High School in 1955.

Lyle served in the Air Force as an Airman 2nd Class Medic. He met his future wife, Pat, in October 1961 and one month later they were married in Las Vegas.

After a long career employed at Newhall Oil Refinery, as a refinery superintendent, Lyle retired to their ranch in Agua Dulce, where he enjoyed being Pat’s personal handyman maintaining their boarding stable, Moonshine Mountain Ranch. Pat found Lyle to be his sexiest when on his tractor! Lyle loved to spend time with his family, friends and his sweet little dog, Nessie. He also had a deep passion for his Koi fish, spending many hours maintaining their beautiful pond. In the early years, Lyle and Pat were actively involved with local community equestrian events, including being charter members of E.T.I. Corral 86 “Vasquez Vaqueros” and Canyon Coyotes 4-H Club Drill Team, “The Green Bonnets”. They were especially honored when they were the recipients of “Pioneer Family of the Year” in 2004. They opened their hearts and their home for over 38 years to foster children. Lyle’s fatherly influence helped develop and shape many young lives. He was kind, caring, full of strong character and dry wit, and so loved by all!

He is survived by his loving wife, Pat, of 55 years; son Daniel Means (Victoria); daughter Christy Bejar (Eric); daughter Rossiel Cason (Jay); daughter Ana Colebrooke (Hank); daughter Patty Rojas (Johnny); daughter Vanessa Dodds (Daniel); son Shawn Lingawi (Amy); daughter Sherry Tompkins; daughter Nance Tierney (John); son Tony Tompkins; grandchildren Kaylie, Emily, Justyn, Zoe, Sarah, Sophia, Serena, Justin, Gabriella, Kiera, Khloe, Kaden, Grace; Aubrey, Shawn and Terra; brothers Darrell Means; sisters Betty Smith and Vena Means. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Mick and Tom; and sisters Mae, Avanell, Dolores and Shirley.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at Living Springs Church in Agua Dulce at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Gene Stabe officiating. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Lyle’s life. Reception to follow at the Agua Dulce Women’s Club.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Lyle Means to the Heart Society of America.

“Lyle has left the Ranch!”