Lyle D. Uscola – Bowman Funeral Directors

Lyle Darwin Uscola, 85-year-old Boise and former Heyburn, Idaho resident passed away Tuesday, June 9th 2020.

The second of four sons, Lyle was born in Pingree, Idaho on October 13, 1934 to Steve Uscola and Reva Jolley Uscola. After Lyle’s birth, Steve and his brother, Joe, purchased a farm at 903 W. 300 S., Heyburn, Idaho where they raised sheep, grains, hay, and beets. Lyle and his brothers Keith, Elmer, and Frank grew up working on the farm and doing everything from plowing, planting, and harvesting behind draft horses to hoeing beets and beans and milking the family cows. (As an adult, Lyle didn’t drink milk because “I always smell the cow in a glass of milk.”)

Lyle attended Heyburn Elementary and graduated from Heyburn High School in 1952 where he played sports and participated in student government. After high school, Lyle attended ISU where he joined the ROTC, played football, and graduated with a degree to teach and coach. In July of 1953, he married Glenda Rae Startin.

His first teaching and coaching position was at Valley High School, and their first child, Melody Cay, was born while they were living in Eden, Idaho. He then took a position at Oakley High School, where he made life-long friends among the staff and the community. His son, Kyle Darwin was born during that time.

Lyle moved his wife and two children to Marsing, Idaho where they bought their first home, and he began teaching and coaching at Marsing High School. In the summer of 1963, Lyle and Glenda sold their home and moved back to Paul, Idaho, where Stephanie Kim was born in 1964. Lyle returned to Valley High School and taught there until joining Sierra Life Insurance Company to work full time. While selling insurance, the family moved to Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, and after buying the family farm with his brother, Elmer, back to Heyburn, Idaho. He later became a real estate broker and enjoyed the many acquaintances and friendships he made during that time.

Lyle and Glenda divorced in 1976. In 1982, Lyle returned to education. When asked if he noticed a big change in the students, he remarked, “Society has changed, but not kids. They still have the same challenges and emotions. It’s just that they have more to deal with now than before.”

In 1986 Lyle met Paula Estey while teaching her son math at Burley High School. He fell in love almost immediately. They married in the summer of 1987. She brought two children, Chris and Cindy, to the relationship, and he came to love them as his own. Lyle and Paula shared almost 33 wonderful years. They did everything together – they even washed their home’s windows together, he washed the outside while she washed the inside.

Always the learner, Lyle also went back to ISU for a master’s degree in Athletic Administration and another in Education Administration and eventually left the classroom to be an assistant principal at Burley Jr. High and later, Burley High School. Upon retirement, he and Paula purchased a motor home and spent winters in Yuma, Arizona golfing, dancing, and playing cards with the many friends they made from all over the United States. They spent summers in Island Park, fishing and golfing with friends made there.

Lyle loved fishing, golfing, attending grandchildren’s events, and watching Boise State football. Every time we participate in any of those activities, we will remember the coaching and “L.D.-isms” he readily shared with us.

Lyle is preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Reva; brothers Keith, Elmer, and Frank; and son, Kyle. He will be missed by his wife, Paula; his children: Melody (Corey) Smith, Stephanie Clayton, Chris Estey, and Cindy (Frank) Rohm; his 9 grandchildren: Brook (Brent) Mendez, Starr (Brad) Beck , Kyacey Uscola, John (Stephanie) Smith, William (Sari) Uscola , Lindsey Smith, Greg (Tylynn) Smith, Steven Smith, Rebekka (Lance) McCrae, and Landry Rohm; and his many great-grandchildren.

Final arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor in Boise, Idaho. There will be no funeral or memorial service; however, friends and family may leave condolences on their website: www.bowmanfuneral.com.

The family wants to thank the staff at Grace Assisted Living’s Memory Care facility. Their staff became Lyle’s family and their kindness, love, and support of both Lyle and Paula will always be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: Alzheimer’s Association: Greater Idaho Chapter, 2995 N Cole Rd #120, Boise, ID 83704.

Condolences(15)

Reva Uscola (little Reva) says
June 12, 2020 at 8:36 pm

I am blessed to have had this man be such a big part of my childhood. I will forever be grateful. Aunt Paula, Melody, Stephanie and the rest of the family, my heart is with you. I love you all so much!
- REPLY
  David Badger says
  June 23, 2020 at 8:29 pm
  
  I am saddened to learn of Lyle’s passing. He was a great friend and administrator at Burley High School where he was admired by everyone. My condolences go out to Paula and his family.
Meghan Levi says
June 13, 2020 at 2:59 am

I have such fond memories of Lyle (or Sparky to us troublemakers). I was lucky to be in the class that had Lyle as Vice Principal for six years as he transferred to Burley High School with our class. Even when he was giving me much deserved detention he always made me smile. He would laugh at our antics, crack jokes, listen while we cried, give us detention, and have us like him all the more for it. He was so kind to me even when I didn’t deserve it. My deepest sympathies to Lyle’s family. He was one-of-a-kind.
Kristin Reese says
June 13, 2020 at 3:20 am

Oh this just breaks my heart! I have SO MANY fun memories of this amazing man we used to call “Sparky” back in high school. He always greeted us with a smile and knew us all by name and showed each of us he cared for us all! But he sure did have that “look” when you were in trouble or about to get in trouble. “Lynch” he would say….. I’d know he was serious if he used my last name. (Smiling!!)
Sometimes I wonder If some of us were actually okay knowing we were in trouble and told “you are going to Mr. Uscola’s office”!! Detention wasn’t so bad with his smiles and jokes and good conversations!
This man truly was a great asset to anyone who attended BHS and had the privilege to know him. Sending all my love and prayers to his family. He will be missed.
- REPLY
  Steve & Marcia Lynch says
  June 14, 2020 at 2:13 pm
  
  We are very sorry to hear about the loss of Lyle as he was a great man, teacher, and administrator. Rest in Peace, my friend!!
Lee Bateman says
June 14, 2020 at 4:14 pm

I have fond memories of Lyle as one of his students in Oakley. He really cared for the kids. Paula, we have not seen each other since grade school at Southwest. Really sorry for your loss. It sounds like you and Lyle had a wonderful life.
Craig Mills says
June 16, 2020 at 8:21 am

Paula and family,
When I got to Burley, Lyle was the vice principal at BJHS. I was a substitute teacher, and he was very good to me.
The next year, I was fortunate enough to get hired at Burley High School, and Lyle was my vice principal, under Bob Plotts.. Between the two of them, I was a scared shitless 27 year old teacher, and I slowly learned that those two were the most incredible people I had met in my career. Bob Plotts taught me to be an effective teacher, and Lyle taught me how to be a disciplinarian in class.
When I needed advice, as a teacher or coach, I would turn to Lyle, and he reminded me of my grandfather. He gave the best advice, but also made me feel that I actually had a clue.
Now I am still at Burley High School, and am the senior teacher. I still believe that Bob and Lyle were the best combination of administrators that I have ever worked for.
I wish the best for the family, and I wish that I had a chance to personally thank Lyle for his contributions to my career. He was an incredible man, and a great educator.
I wish all teachers got to have a taste of what Bob and Lyle had to offer.
May they both rest in peace, and those that knew them, and worked for them, let them continue their legacy.in the classroom.
My condolences, Craig Mills
Gordon Kerbs says
June 16, 2020 at 4:34 pm

My deepest sympathy goes out the Uscola family. Lyle was a great mentor to me when I started teaching and coaching. I often think of his quick one-liners. He had some good ones. Lyle was a great administrator. Come to find out Lyle passed the same day as my dad. Rest In Peace Sparky.
Kristen Keck says
June 17, 2020 at 2:23 pm

He was my Algebra teacher at Burley High School. I had taken Algebra the previous year with a different teacher and failed. But when I took Algebra from Mr. Uscola, he made Algebra fun and I went from an F to an A! He was a great teacher!
Leslie Stoddard says
June 17, 2020 at 2:57 pm

Paula, it sounds like you and Lyle spent many happy and fun filled years together….
Wishing you peace to bring comfort and loving memories to forever hold in your heart..
Earl and Alta Moffit says
June 17, 2020 at 3:55 pm

Melody, you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. We think of you often and remember your Dad from you, education, etc. What a winning smile and generous laugh he shared with those he encountered. God bless each of your family members at this time. Be safe; stay well.
Shirley Pike says
June 17, 2020 at 9:58 pm

We are very sorry about your loss and will keep your family in prayer.
Shirley and Michael Pike
Justin Robinson says
June 19, 2020 at 4:17 am

Coach blessed my life in more ways than he ever knew and has been one of my most influential people that has effected my life for good. I still rattle off those one liners and the dozens of lessons that he taught me over the years on the football field and the basketball court. He taught me that real results mattered more than what they may have appeared. He knew how to have fun and yet wasn’t afraid to show you where the line needed to be. He could chew your ass in one breath and leave you knowing that he loved and respected you in the next. You always knew that Coach simply wanted the best of you and for you. He had a humble approach, but the mustache could twitch when it needed to. You always knew where you stood with Coach. If you didn’t, it was on you. He pushed, he loved, and he’d push you some more. We were all better because of him. I’m better because of him. When I pass, I hope I can leave the legacy that Coach has… that future generations will continue to be blessed of my efforts like they have from his. He has a special spot in my personal “Hall of Fame”, and I’ll continue to strive to do things that would make him smile from the sideline. Thanks Coach! I love and appreciate you more than you’ll ever know! Rest easy. See you on the other side. Justin Robinson
Art Watkins says
June 22, 2020 at 9:55 pm

Lyle was a great math teacher and coach. It was a privilege to have known him thru my years at Valley High school. I know he will be missed by many.
Linda Rompot says
June 30, 2020 at 6:35 pm

I dreamed of you both the other night and knew I needed to call you. I am so sorry to hear of Lyle’s passing and know how much everyone who knew him will miss that wonderful smile and great humor. We still watch our home videos of us fishing Hebgan Lake and those Valley View parties. We had such great summers together and such a wonderful, fun friendship, you and the family are in my prayers. Tom is failing and has had several serious issues from bladder cancer to a brain tumor. Our neurosurgeon said surgery and radiation were out of the question, we are just on wait and watch for now. Although he does not have any symptoms he knows the end will come some day. He still has that spirit to live and we do see the Grands and Great Grands often. Please call when you can would love to talk, 386-345-0690, home all the time now. Hugs to you and kids, Linda

Lyle D. Uscola October 13, 1934 - June 9, 2020

Condolences(15)

Reva Uscola (little Reva) says

David Badger says

Meghan Levi says

Kristin Reese says

Steve & Marcia Lynch says

Lee Bateman says

Craig Mills says

Gordon Kerbs says

Kristen Keck says

Leslie Stoddard says

Earl and Alta Moffit says

Shirley Pike says

Justin Robinson says

Art Watkins says

Linda Rompot says

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