Berton Edward Lyle, Jr.
>
> Dr. Bert Lyle, also known as The Ole Coach, was called home to be
> with his Lord and Savior on May 11, 2011. He was 83 years old and a
> resident of Denton, Texas since 1964. Dr. Lyle was a former track
> coach and athletic director at Texas Women's University. He coached
> the track team from the mid 1960's through 1981 and continued as
> Athletic Director for many years after that. A true Pioneer of
> Women's track and field, his team won the very first Women's
> Collegiate Championship in 1969 along with two others after that.
>
> In addition to coaching at TWU, Dr. Lyle traveled the globe
> coaching U.S. teams in the Olympics and World Championships. Many
> of his athletes from TWU participated in the Olympics as
> Representatives of several countries including the United States.
> He truly loved the sport of track and field and loved even more,
> the relationships he had with the athletes, coaches and others that
> he met along the way. His track girls were family and his house was
> always open to them.
>
> Dr. Lyle received many prestigious awards for his coaching and
> Contributions to the sport. His detailed analysis of tape and
> Technique was taught to, and utilized by, athletes and coaches all
> over the world. Most recently, he was inducted into the 2010 Hall
> of Fame Class of the United States Track and Field and Cross
> Country Coaches Association.
>
> Dr. Lyle was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on May 8, 1928. He
> received his undergraduate degree from Duke University where he was
> a pre-season All American in football and also lettered in baseball
> and basketball. He served in the Air Force from 1953-1956 where he
> was named to the All Air Force Football Team. He received a
> Master's Degree from Southern Methodist University and his
> Doctorate Degree in Physical Education from The University of Texas.
>
> Dr. Lyle enjoyed his basset hounds and thought they made excellent
> assistant coaches. In the late 1960's and 1970's he was often seen
> driving them to and from the track with their big ears flapping in
> the wind. He was a master gardener and bird watcher and would not
> hesitate to stop the car immediately upon spotting a plant, flower
> or feathered friend of interest. He was always teaching and wanted
> others to understand the importance of stopping to smell the roses
> Along the way.
>
> He had a tremendous sense of humor and a deep Southern drawl to
> deliver it. He was quick witted and very intelligent. He loved his
> Family dearly and was a born leader, teacher and coach. He
> cherished his relationship with God which grew even stronger in the
> last few years. He knew that he would continue his journey in the
> Kingdom of Heaven and will save places for us all. He will be
> dearly missed but his love, life and teachings will be with us
> forever.
>
> He would surely tell you today that his greatest accomplishment in
> this life was his marriage of over 56 years to Eula Mae
> Pris (Bass) who was always by his side in whatever endeavor he
> was pursuing. He is survived by Pris and their two children, Bert
> E. Lyle, III of Huntsville and his wife Susie and Frank Lyle of
> Argyle and his wife Julie. Bert and Susie's children are Kristopher
> and his wife Jayna, Austin and Alexis Mae, Lexi. Frank and
> Julie's children are Blake and Chad. Dr. Lyle is also survived by a
> niece and nephew, Kathryn Lyle and Jeff Lyle of Washington, DC. He
> is pre-deceased by his brother Frank Lyle, his mother, Beatrice
> Chilcoat Lyle and his father, Berton E. Lyle, Sr.
>
> If desired, and in lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the
> Bert Lyle Scholarship Fund at Denton Area Teachers Credit Union,
> 225 W. Mulberry St., Denton, Tx, 76201 or P.O. Box 827, Denton, Tx,
> 76202.
>
> Visitation will be at the Mulkey Mason funeral home in Denton on
> Friday, May 13 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A funeral service will
> be conducted at the First United Methodist Church in Denton on
> Saturday, May 14 at 11:00 am which will be followed by a reception
> from 12:00 to 1:00 pm.
>
>