Lyle Sankey

On October 5, 2017, Lyle Vern Sankey finished his drag race on Earth with an elapsed time of 69 years. Lyle was born June 28, 1948, in Independence, Iowa, to Cecil and Margaret Sankey. Lyle spent his early childhood in Iowa, and he and his family moved to Big Spring, then to San Angelo. He graduated from Central High School in 1966, attended Angelo State University, and joined the U.S. Navy, per Uncle Sam’s request. He worked all his life in San Angelo, for businesses including Western Auto Parts, Whites, Model Uniform, and GTE/Verizon. Lyle enjoyed a good mental challenge. His pastimes included working on vehicles, fishing, and completing crossword puzzles and home projects. He could always be counted on to find a used item that someone else had discarded and make it work or look new again. He was known to take drives every weekend with his wife, Joy, and their dogs, Tator and Brady. Lyle was passionate about vehicles and fast cars. He was a mechanic all his life, and he owned and raced several tri-five Chevys, along with myriads of other fixer-uppers. He raced a few times at Wall Dragway and other tracks. He always said, “You’re only as good as the tools and parts you’re working with.” That belief didn’t just hold true for cars; it is an apt description for how Lyle lived his life. His sharp mind, quick wit, contagious laugh, and sound advice and knowledge were his biggest contributions to his family. He worked hard his entire adult life to provide for his wife and son, but he also lived much like he raced cars; too many RPMs aren’t good on an engine or a body. His family and friends will cherish the memories of his laughter until we meet again. Lyle was preceded in death by his infant son, Brad Allen Sankey. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Joy Sankey, of San Angelo; their son, Brian Sankey (wife Becca), and their children, Gavin, Savannah, and Kate, of San Angelo; parents, Cecil and Margaret Sankey, of San Angelo; brother Roger Sankey, of San Angelo; sister Lois (Sankey) Draper, of San Angelo; brother-in-law, R.Lee Brown of Aransas Pass; brother-in-law Robert Cope (wife Vickie), of Grape Creek; nephew, Buster Brown (wife Shinobu) of Austin; niece, Candice Maldonado (husband Renee) of San Angelo; nephew Jody Cope (wife Erin) of San Antonio; niece Robbie Nelms (husband Cody), of Carlsbad; and several cousins. A special thank you to Hospice of San Angelo and wonderful friends; Beverly and Cindy. Donations are requested to be given to Immanuel Baptist Church or Hospice of San Angelo. A Memorial service will be held at Harper Funeral Home Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 11:00 AM.