Very sad to hear that Lyle has passed. Just heard this yesterday and want to express my sympathy to family and friends. He was an incredible man who inspired those he had contact with and was an icon in music education. I was honored to be a part of the summer band music camps as an instructor and will always remember those times. Thanks Lyle for inspiring and leading us through your musical gifts. You blessed so many lives! Words can't express what you have meant to me and so many others!! Thanks Sir!!

Message from Loretta Haines Woodbridge

October 7, 2016 2:04 PM

I played clarinet 5 years in Lyle"s bands at Wellington Kansas. He was a great teacher who wanted his students to succeed in life. It was a privilege to know him and to have been able to play in one of his bands!

Message from Gary R. Moyer, Dayton, Ohio (Wellington, Kansas, Class of 1961)

October 4, 2016 7:22 PM

I was a part of a group of kids that were fortunate to experience Lyle Dilley directly for most of his ten years at Wellington. He helped us pick our instruments in the fourth grade and mentored us through grade school, junior high and senior high band activities. I can remember starting every class day with Mr. Dilley at 7:00 AM in the band bungalow. He was a wonderful role model for competence, effort and decency.

A candle was lit by Sheila (Beer) Shaw on October 2, 2016 9:26 AM

Message from Jeanne Davis Herbert

September 28, 2016 3:40 PM

I was so sorry to learn of Mr Dilley's passing. He was my band director while in Wellington, and I remember him as a person who was a positive influence on us. God bless you all.

Message from John & Laurie Curtis, Manhattan, KS

September 27, 2016 8:09 PM

Bonnie, please know that we offered a prayer to our Lord in heaven upon hearing that Lyle passed away, now to be with Jesus, for God to extend his grace and loving comfort over you and the kids and grandkids. Our love and thoughts are with all of you at this time. Lyle always had a smile, ready to greet and engage a friend in conversation to hear how they were doing. He was a dear friend to our parents, to Laurie and I, and to hundreds and hundreds of students. Steve and Chris, our special love and condolence to you in the loss of a wonderful father and father-in-law.

A candle was lit by David Milhon on September 27, 2016 7:44 PM

Message from Judith Dixon Rawlings

September 27, 2016 2:54 PM

What a wonderful life to celebrate!! I know you, his family, will miss him terribly, and I pray for all of you at this time. What great memories so many of us have of our times in band, going to competitions, giving concerts, marching in parades and at football games. He was such a blessing to so many and for that I am thankful as I am sure you are too.

A candle was lit by Kay Werth on September 27, 2016 1:56 PM

Message from Connie Forssberg

September 26, 2016 7:56 PM

My deepest condolences to you Mrs. Dilley and your family. Mr. Dilley was an awesome leader, director and friend. I have so many fond memories of being in his bands. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to be a part of his musical family. He will be greatly missed.

A candle was lit by Connie Forssberg on September 26, 2016 7:53 PM

Message from Joe Boley family

September 26, 2016 5:25 PM

Sorry to hear of the passing of a great music man whom many of us shared great experiences. Condolences from the Joe Boley Family (Darlene, Maggie (whom he nicknamed), Mary and JoAnn. May many prayers help you through this hard time.

Expression of Sympathy

An AZALEA PLANT was ordered on September 26, 2016

Message from Anne (High) Koentopp

September 26, 2016 2:16 PM

I have so many memories of Mr. Dilley. It's been 52 years since I was in his first band and symphony at Fort Hays. Four years together - all the rehearsals, concerts, conducting classes and the joy of directing the band at my college graduation. He made it all happen. He was the best and I'm sure there are hundreds of musicians and music teachers out there who feel the same way. Thanks for the memories! RIP

Message from Mary Ann Byler Ciochon

September 26, 2016 1:49 PM

What a wonderful memory I have of him as band director in Wellington. I also was fortunate to have everything his wife as my voice teacher. I went on to get a music education degree and taught in Shawnee Mission for many years years thanks to both of them!

A candle was lit by Mark McDonald on September 26, 2016 10:13 AM

Message from Mark McDonald

September 26, 2016 10:13 AM

I will always remember him with great respect. He was the clinician at the 1975 Northern Kansas League Band Clinic and made it a true mountain-top experience for me. That summer, I attended High Plains Band Camp and enjoyed him immensely. I will never forget him trying to recruit me to attend Fort Hays State University. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and may your perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

Message from Sheryl (Hamm) Elliott

September 26, 2016 9:27 AM

Bonnie, I am so sorry to hear of Lyle's passing. I still remember how you and Lyle took care of me when I got sick at band camp... it was nice to have family there when I needed some TLC! I'm sure that God's Orchestra (or Marching Band?!?) has an amazing new director up in heaven! Take care of yourself, and know how much you and Lyle are loved.

A candle was lit by Sheryl (Hamm) Elliott on September 26, 2016 9:21 AM

A candle was lit by Tia Ruder on September 26, 2016 2:05 AM

Message from Carolyn Myers Estes

September 25, 2016 10:27 PM

Mr. Dilley was a wonderful band director and sweet man. He was a great teacher who helped me develop my love for all types of music during my years at Wellington High School. As a member of the class of 1961, he will always live on in my memories! RIP. Mr. Dilley!

A candle was lit by Steven Rathert on September 25, 2016 9:36 PM

Message from Mike Payne

September 25, 2016 6:40 PM

Mr. Dilley was my band teacher and friend for two years during my freshman and sophomore years at Wellington H.S. where he taught me coronet and base horn. He was a good teacher who I respected and liked. I know God has welcomed him home.

A candle was lit by Mike Payne, Temple, Tx. on September 25, 2016 6:36 PM

Message from Janis Roth Danders

September 25, 2016 5:51 PM

I have many fond memories of Mr. Dilley and my time in his band in Wellington. He started me on the French horn and I have continued to play in many professional and amateur groups including the Wichita Symphony and Music Theater Wichita and I always credit Mr. Dilley for introducing me to music.

A candle was lit by Connie Whiteley Rickard on September 25, 2016 3:28 PM

A candle was lit by Kevin Pham on September 25, 2016 3:11 PM

Message from Fonda Emigh Mangino - Mr Dilley's FHSU band member- early 80's

September 25, 2016 12:16 PM

Gosh, I know all of our bodies finally give out...so sorry to hear that Mr. Dilley has passed on. Was in his FHSU band in the 80's...still think of him fondly. Sending prayers to his family during this time.

A candle was lit by Fonda Emigh Mangino on September 25, 2016 12:13 PM

Message from Rager Moore

September 25, 2016 11:52 AM

Our condolences to the entire family. Celebrate his life well and know his influence goes on for all time!!

A candle was lit by Rager & Gigi Moore on September 25, 2016 11:50 AM

A candle was lit by Andy White on September 25, 2016 10:47 AM

A candle was lit by Jon and Kathy Staton on September 24, 2016 7:40 PM

Expression of Sympathy

A GARDEN PATH was ordered on September 24, 2016

Message from Carla Markovich

September 24, 2016 2:00 PM

Condolences to the family of Lyle Dilley. He was a big part of my life at Fort Hays University and will always be fondly remembered.

Message from Don and Leora Forssberg

September 24, 2016 11:40 AM

Our condolences to Bonnie and the family, Lyle was such a great person and we will always remember him forall the students lives he touched, we had 2 Daughters in his bands and they still think so much of him and are heart broken of his passing. blessings to the whole family..

Message from Darrell, mobile phone.

September 24, 2016 11:39 AM

My mentor, my hero, my inspiration. Rest in piece my beloved teacher. Heart aches for you Bonnie, and the rest of the family. Please let us know if you need anything at all.

A candle was lit by Darrell and Johannah Cox on September 24, 2016 11:36 AM

A candle was lit by Don and Leora Forssberg on September 24, 2016 11:33 AM