Lyle Jones

Lyle Jones was a genuine public servant who according to his local newspaper once said, “Anytime you can help somebody out, it’s rewarding. Around here, they take time to say thank-you or write a nice letter.” These weren’t just surface thoughts to Lyle, but rather they were values he took to heart – a kind and generous soul through and through. As much as Lyle cared for his community, however, his greatest love was always reserved for his family, every day and in every way.

During the year 1927, technology was helping America spread her wings as the first transatlantic telephone call was made from New York City to London, and Charles Lindbergh made the first solo transatlantic non-stop flight from New York to Paris. It was also in this same year that Clarence and Thelma (Strait) Jones, of South Haven, Michigan, were pleased to announce the birth of their son, Lyle Albert, on July 24th. Lyle was one of three children in his family and his father worked in auto repair for a body shop located in downtown Saugatuck. Lyle attended local schools and he played basketball during high school.

After graduating from Saugatuck High School in 1944, Lyle answered the call to serve his country during a time of need as WWII raged abroad. He enlisted in the Navy where he valiantly served for two years and was honorably discharged in 1947, and with that, Lyle’s love for serving others had begun. Upon his return to civilian life, Lyle drove a truck out on the open road for a time. It would be this career that would be the springboard for Lyle’s introduction to the woman who would forever hold the key to his heart.

Lyle later began driving a truck for the Harris Pie Company located in Saugatuck. One day a lovely young gal caught his attention and so he tossed an apple at her in order to get her attention. Little did he know, he was throwing an apple at Betty Kopacz, who just happened to be the local Apple Blossom Queen Pageant winner and also the State Apple Blossom finalist! Lucky for Lyle, he did manage to capture not only Betty’s attention, but her heart as well as they became husband and wife in 1960.

The newlyweds settled into their first home on Spear Street where they welcomed their daughter Lisa in 1964, and their son Lyle “Butch,” in 1968. It was also during the early sixties that Lyle began serving as a reserve officer for Saugatuck, opening the door for his work in law enforcement within the community. Lyle soon rose to become a sergeant for the City of Saugatuck Police Department, and he eventually became the Saugatuck Chief of Police in August of 1967. Lyle remained in this position until he retired in 1993 at the age of 66.

Although he loved and was dedicated to his work, Lyle cherished spending time with his family as often as he could since they were always his top priority. Their family did a lot of camping all over the United States – an activity Lyle thoroughly enjoyed. Their family often camped with the family of Lyle’s close friend, Robert Rank, who was a detective with the Michigan State Police. Lyle was actively involved in the lives of his children and always made it to all of their school and sporting events – often coming right from work still wearing his uniform. He moved his family to their red brick house on the corner of Main and Griffith where they would continue to make memories over the following 37 years. Lyle was also generous as a father as he continually wanted to supply his children with everything they needed. Always a father to his core, he even continued the attempt to give them money after they were grown.

In addition to his work and his family, there were other interests that captured Lyle’s attention from time to time. He continued to enjoy camping and later in his life, he purchased a motor home. Lyle loved traveling, some of his favorite destinations including Nashville, Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida too. He also loved boating and always kept his boat, a 28-foot cabin cruiser, at Singapore Yacht Club located in Saugatuck. Lyle was interested in a variety of both watches and guns and had an insatiable sweet tooth for treats such as candy and cookies. In fact, Lyle loved eating in general, and always enjoyed a good dinner roll. Lyle was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church of Douglas, the Knights of Columbus, and the Masonic Lodge of Saugatuck. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion Post of Saugatuck Post #137, and the Fraternal Order of Police.

Lyle Jones was a man of great character and strength who had a heart of gold. He loved to tease his wife and never stopped being a father to his two children. When his legacy came to include grandchildren, Lyle loved being a doting grandfather more than anything else in the world. Lyle taught others so much about sacrifice, generosity, and compassion, making a significant impact in the lives of people too numerous to count. He was a devoted family man, a loyal friend, and a dedicated public servant who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Lyle A. Jones of Saugatuck died surrounded by his family, Sunday August 16, 2009 at Holland Hospital. Lyle’s family includes his wife of 49 years Betty Jones; daughter, Lisa (Brad) Cruickshank of Brampton Ontario, son, Lyle “Butch” (Barbara) Jones of Mt. Pleasant, MI; five grandsons, Cameron, Connor, Alex, Adam, Andrew; sister Naomi (Richard) Hord; in-laws, John and Laura Kopacz, Dorothy O’ Grady, Delores and Donald Karaus; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother Robert Jones in 2008. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Douglas MI. Visit with Lyle’s family and friends from 2-4 and 7-9 Tuesday at The Saugatuck Chapel Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home 520 Lake St. Saugatuck MI, and also the hour before funeral Mass at church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign his online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to St. Peters Catholic Church Memorial, or to Michigan Fallen Police Officers Fund.