Red Lyles

Wilber "Red" Lyles, age 68, passed away may 7, 2006 at his residence from complications from an automobile accident that he was involved in 2 years ago. Red was born June 7, 1937 in Lovington, NM to the home of William E. and Beulah Smith Lyles. He and his family came to Guadalupe County in 1941. Red attended Santa Rosa Consolidated Schools where he graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1956. During his school years Red was an outstanding athlete. He participated in all sports and was instrumental in leading the Santa Rosa Lions to their first Football State Championship in 1955 and Basketball Championship in 1955 and 1956. He was the second leading scorer for the State Track Meet, earned All State in Football and Basketball, and served as the first string Defensive Back for the North All Star Game. After graduation from High School Red attended the University of New Mexico graduating in 1961 and began his teaching career. He taught schools in De Moines, NM, Alamogordo, Capitan, Carruthers, CA, Tatum, San Jon, Animas and Santa Rosa where he was their Basket Ball Coach. Red loved teaching at small schools. Red also loved Horse Racing, listening to Cowboy and Tejano music and would record the music and send them to his friends to listen to. He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister; Maurene George and a brother; Eugen Bryant. Survivors include his son Ken Lyles of Santa Rosa and his twin brother Wilmer "Blackie" Lyles. As per Red's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 13, at 11:00 from the United Methodist Church in Santa Rosa. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers wil be Dale Smith, Billy Dean Flowers, Jim Bob Hobbs, Alfredo Cordova, David Luna, Ramon Mondragon and George Carmignani. Flowers will be accepted or you may send Memorial donations in memory of Red to the Methodist Church 400 South 4th Street, Santa Rosa, NM. All services are entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa.