Lyle G. Younglove, 83, of Mendota, passed away March 24, 2022 in his home.

Funeral services will be Friday, April 1, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with Rev. Jeff Schlesinger officiating. Cremation

rites will be accorded after and private burial will be at Lutheran Cemetery, Mendota at a later date. Visitation will be Thursday from 4-7 p.m

in the funeral home.

Lyle was born in Bloomington/Normal, Il. on May 3, 1938 to James and Dorothy (Thompson) Younglove. He grew up in Arlington, Il. Lyle married Barbara J. Heward on July 3. 1956 in Princeton, Il.

Lyle was employed as a supervisor at Motor Wheel Corporation from 1963 to 1996. He also co-owned and ran a service station in Mendota in the mid sixties. Lyle found his passion for flying in the early 1960's. He received his pilot's license in 1967 and began flying full time.  In 1978 he

saw a need to help the local farmers Lyle started the Agricultural part of R & R Flight Service. His hard work and loyalty helped to build the business to last the test of time.  Lyle also mentored many young pilots including his son Don. Until recently Lyle was very active in the business and helped maintain the airplanes. Lyle was also a member of the Mendota Elks and was a lifelong member of the NAAA (National Agricultural Aviation Association) and the IAAA (Illinois Agricultural Aviation Association. Lyle was one who loved to go for coffee with friends, stop for a beer on his way home from the airport, grab a bite to eat from the Elks. He didn't like small talk but loved in depth conversations. He also enjoyed driving his red convertible Thunderbird.  He was one of a kind and will be missed by many.

Lyle is survived by his son Don (Peggy) Younglove and his daughter Debbie Younglove both of Mendota. Grandson Jason Ward (Jessica Trout-Levi) of Ohio, Il. and granddaughters Sarah Younglove of Mount Morris, Il. and Madison Younglove of Mendota.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barbara in 2017 and his son Dennis in 2016.

Memorials may be directed to the Mendota Elks Lodge.