Lyle Dilley

Lyle Dilley

August 20, 1925 – September 23, 2016

Lyle Dilley, 91, of Hays, died Friday, September 23, 2016 at Hays Medical Center.  He was born August 20, 1925 in Mount Hope, Kansas to Everett and Elizabeth Dilley.    Lyle was married to Bonnie Brown in June of 1949.  They were married in Leon, Kansas at the First Christian Church.

Lyle and Bonnie were both music majors at Wichita State University when they met.  Following Lyle’s graduation with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music education, they moved to Belle Plain to begin their work together in music education.     Lyle and Bonnie also began their family giving birth to their first son Allen.  After two years at Belle Plain, Lyle and Bonnie moved on to Wellington where Lyle began a ten-year position in the Wellington School system.   Lyle had responsibility for the marching band and junior high band.  As a tribute to his accomplishments, the band received ten consecutive first-division ratings, and the senior band received two second-division ratings followed by eight consecutive first-divisions.  Lyle also played for eleven seasons with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra as a bass trombonist.   During their time in Wellington, the Dilley family expanded to include Barbara, Steven and David. 

In 1961, Lyle accepted the position of Director of Bands and instructor of Low Brass at Fort Hays State University. Membership throughout the Tiger Marching Band grew from approximately 50 members in 1961 to our largest enrollment of 150 members in 1970. In addition to serving as Director of Bands, Lyle conducted the Hays Symphony; taught all low brass, brass methods, conducting, and supervised student teaching. In 1975, Lyle became the Director of the High Plains Band Camp (now High Plains Music Camp).

Throughout his distinguished career, Lyle organized a range of programs. Such programs include: the second Kansas High School Marching Band Competition in 1962, the first Kansas High School Invitational Concert Band Workshop in 1963, the first Kansas Inter-Collegiate Concert Band in 1975, and the Hays Symphony Guild in 1985.  Lyle served as president of the KMEA (Kansas Music Educators Association) and in 1990 was admitted into the KMEA Hall of Fame. He retired as Professor at Fort Hays State and remained active in music education. He regularly served as a judge for area competitions, attended most musical performances here on FHSU’s campus, and supported the High Plains Music Camp by offering a low brass award.  Lyle retired as Professor of Music from FHSU in 1989.   Over his career in music education, Lyle’s mentoring encouragement and supportive words influenced many students and musicians to pursue excellence in music performance and education.  In October 2015, Lyle received the FHSU Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his dedication and commitment to advancing music education across the nation and recognizing his exemplary character and personal attributes.  Lyle was a member Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity and a member of the Hays Lions Club

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jerald.  Carrying his banner forward are his wife Bonnie and 4 children, spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren:  Dr. Allen Dilley of Winfield, Kansas, Mrs. Barbara (Dilley) Stecklein and her husband Gary of Burrton, Kansas, daughter Jennifer (Stecklein) Taylor and husband Jay of Kingwood, Texas with 2 children Brenden, Katelyn;  Dr. Steven Dilley and his wife Chris of Windsor, Colorado, son Brett Dilley and his wife Shannon of Erie, Colorado with 1 child Paige and son Kendall  Dilley of Chicago, Illinois; Mr. David Dilley and his wife Theresa with 7 children Rebekah (Dilley) Willman and her husband Eric of Omaha, Nebraska, Ben Dilley of Boulder, Colorado, Anna (Dilley) Hazard and her husband Justin of Lincoln, Nebraska, Caleb Dilley, Joshua Dilley, Andrew Dilley and Sarah Dilley all of Lincoln, Nebraska.

When Lyle wasn’t on a podium leading a musical ensemble or teaching a course in conducting, he enjoyed playing golf in his foursome which included, Arris Johnson, Jim Stansbury, and Don Bloss.   He also managed the family farm near Wichita with his brother Jerald.  Maintaining a well-manicured yard and making sure the birds were well fed all four seasons was very important.   From his life, it was clear Lyle understood the value of investing in people.  It was his passion to teach and mentor others – a passing of the baton to future generations.  Those who came under his mentorship continue to express gratitude for the many ways Lyle impacted their lives.  In the end, these testimonies serve as a reflection of his legacy.

A Celebration Service of Lyle’s life will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church, 305 W. 7th Street, Hays.  The family will receive friends from 3:30 pm until service time.  Memorials are suggested to the Lyle and Bonnie Dilley Scholarship Fund at Fort Hays State University or to the First United Methodist Church, in care of the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com or via email at haysmemorialchapel@gmail.com