Emmett Lee Lyda

Emmett Lee Lyda passed away peacefully on June 6th, 2017 in Grants Pass, Oregon at the age of 98.

Emmett was born on May 8, 1919 in Twin Falls, Idaho to Ancil & Della Lyda and was third of seven siblings. He attended Twin Falls High School and later graduated from Business College in Long Beach, California where he studied Accounting. During that time, he worked as a trucking company dispatcher.

While living in Compton, California Emmett met the love of his life, Ada Marjorie Norris. They became engaged on July 4, 1938 and married on June 17, 1942 at the Salvation Army Girl’s Home in Lyton, California. They were married for 73 years.

Emmett and Ada worked together as officers in the Salvation Army. During WWII, they served in the USO providing entertainment in the form of music and movies to the enlisted men stationed in POW camps.

Emmett and Ada settled in Twin Falls, Idaho. There they raised two sons and attended Valley Christian Church. Emmett worked as Accountant at Independent Meat Company in Twin Falls. He retired in 1984 after 35 years of loyal and dedicated service. They relocated in 1994 to Grants Pass, Oregon where they lived the remainder of their lives. Emmett enjoyed fishing, collecting eagles and reading his Bible.

After the death of his beloved wife, Ada, Emmett lived the last year of his life with his loyal dog, Mitzi, at Home on the Rogue in Grants Pass. There he enjoyed their loving care, beautiful surroundings on the Rogue River and the loving friendship of his roommates.

Emmett was loved and appreciated for his faith in God, honest and honorable spirt, sense of humor, quick wit and willingness to help others.

Emmett is survived by his brother, Bill Lyda of Twin Falls, Idaho; his sister, Ida Loder of Meridian, Idaho; two sons, Wesley Lyda and Gary Lyda; four grandchildren, Emily Lyda, Luke Lyda, Rachel Young and John Lyda and four great-grandchildren, Ada White, Cameron Lyda, Juliet Young and Jude Young.

A memorial graveside service will be held June 15th, 2017 at 1:30 PM at Hawthorne Memorial Gardens in Grants Pass. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.