Lyle Pence, 102, of Mitchell (formerly of Letcher, SD) passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell. Funeral services 11:00 AM Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Will Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in Westlawn Cemetery in Letcher, SD. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service Friday, January 13, 2023 at Will Funeral Chapel.

Lyle Pence, son of Herman and Alta (Driggs) Pence, was born November 12, 1920 in Letcher, SD. He attended school in Letcher, graduating in 1938.

He had a love of music and learning new things. Lyle had a sharp mind and could remember people and events that happened in his life and the lives of those around him.

He served in the US Army during World War II and drove truck. Lyle served in Iran and Iraq bring supplies from shipping ports to be trucked north through the mountains of Iraq and Iran to support the Russians who were fighting the Third Reich Forces. His accounts of Iraq and Iran were vivid.

He returned to farm in the Letcher area at the close of World War II. Lyle was united in marriage with Darleen Johnson on September 30, 1947 in Mt. Vernon, SD.

He was a lover of music and always tried to be positive with his family. That love of music continues through his children.

Lyle loved to visit with people and see what they were interested in. He carried mail on the Letcher route for many years. He spoke often of Marvin Godber and Tommy Stach as he worked with them the most. The Post Office treated him well and he strived to do his best on the route.

Lyle was thankful for farming, the Post Office, the love of music and his neighbors.

He attended the Letcher Community Church for over 60 years and sang with Homer Parce and Lanning Edwards for church occasions.

Survivors include his children Clinton (Holly) Pence, Mitchell, SD, Murray (Jackie) Pence, Vancouver, WA, Ricky (Sue) Pence, Sioux Falls, SD; a son-in-law, Gary Fawbush, Madison, SD; 14 grandchildren; many great grandchildren and step grandchildren; a brother Delmar (Wanessa) Pence, Kingman, AZ; sisters-in-law Verna Feistner and Donna Johnson; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Darleen; a daughter, Linda; a grandchild, Kassia Darleen; brothers Darrel and Arlan; a sister, Elaine; and his parents Herman and Alta Pence.