Lyle was known as a business leader, inventor and philanthropist.

He received many designations, awards and recognitions, but his greatest business accomplishment was being the designer and inventor of the 1947 unloading auger, the catalyst for the development of Hesston Manufacturing/Hesston Corp.

He was the founder of that firm and served as President and CEO from 1950 to 1975.

In 1991, AGCO purchased Hesston Corporation, described on AGCO's website as "a leading North American brand of hay tools and a 50 percent participation in the manufacturing joint venture with Case International, known as Hay and Forage Industries (HFI)."

AGCO Corporation is currently one of the largest employers in the Hesston area.

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Memorial funds have been established with the Aspen Chapel and the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, in care of the funeral home at 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114. Friends may read the obituary and sign the guest book onlineFG

—From The Kansan