Lyle Fredrick Wolf
Tuesday 22nd of March 1932 - Saturday 20th of June 2020

Lyle Fredrick Wolf, (88), of Lexington, KY,
passed away peacefully on June 20, 2020 at his home with family at his side.
A private graveside funeral service will be
held at Lexington Cemetery. Mark Davis, Pastor at First Presbyterian Church
will officiate. Arrangements are by Milward Funeral Home, Lexington.
Lyle was born in Trenton, NJ to Fred Henry and
Celia Sophers Wolf on March 22, 1932. He grew up in Nashville, TN and attended
West End High School; where he met his life-long love; the former Elaine Hayes
Yarbrough. They were married on June 17, 1954 in Nashville. He graduated with a
BS in Engineering from Vanderbilt University, where he was a member of Pi Kappa
Alpha Fraternity. Soon after marrying, the newlyweds moved to Dallas, TX for
his first job with Chance-Vaught Aircraft. They returned to Lexington in 1956,
where he worked for J. Stephen Watkins Engineers. In 1965, Lyle co-founded G.
Reynolds Watkins Consulting Engineers (now GRW Engineers), where in 1967 he was
named President. Over the ensuing 25 years, he built one of the most successful
engineering firms in Kentucky. He retired from GRW in 1992. His professional
accolades include Chairman KY/TN Section American Water Works Association;
where he was honored with the George Warren Fuller Award for his lifetime of
service to the water works profession, Chairman Kentucky Society of
Professional Engineers, and Board Member of the Kentucky River Authority.
Lyle was very active in civic and charitable
organizations including Board Chairmanships for Hospice of the Bluegrass, The
Lexington Hearing and Speech Center, the Lafayette Club, the Woodson Bend
Condominium Owners Association, and the Island Association. He was a Founding
Board Member of the Triangle Foundation, and served on boards for the Bank of
Lexington, the Lexington Rotary Club, the Boy Scouts of America, and United Way
of the Bluegrass. In 1989, Lyle was invited to join the Board of Trustees for
then Midway College; a role he so proudly fulfilled for 30 years. He was
honored in 2019 by now Midway University with the Legacy Award for his
exemplary service to the school.
For all who knew Lyle, they knew a man with a
zest for life. They knew a man who took on challenges, overcame obstacles, and
excelled. They knew a leader; who by example and deed lifted those around him.
They knew a man who loved woodworking, dancing, sailing, travel, the beach…any
beach. They knew a man who loved people, who cherished lifelong friendships,
who never met a stranger. They knew a man of deep faith, whose service and
devotion to God was represented in his life values, and his over six decades of
servant leadership as a Deacon and Elder at First Presbyterian Church. They
knew a man who deeply loved his family.
Lyle is preceded in death by his daughter,
Linda Wolf Helm. He is survived by his wife Elaine, children Susan Wolf
McGoodwin (Robert) and Lyle Fredrick Wolf, Jr. (Sandra), son-in law Harvey
Harmon Helm (Meredith), and grandchildren Kelly Helm Masters (David), Alex
Harvey Helm, Cooper Ayres McGoodwin (Nicole), Lyle Fredrick Wolf, III (Perren),
Hillary Holman McGoodwin (Brian Abbott), William Logan Wolf (Alina), and Henry
Harrison Wolf.
Pallbearers will be Alex Helm, Cooper
McGoodwin, Lyle Wolf, Logan Wolf, Henry Wolf, and David Masters.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to
Midway University or First Presbyterian Church.
Guest Book
Bill Nelson
saysElaine, and family: It's hard to express the difficult emotions I now have for your loss and the loss of my dear friend Lyle. What a big hole this leaves in my heart. Yet Lyle loved life and loved people . As a result, we all have been enriched with values we are to carry on and be proud of. So I celebrate your wonderful life and contributions to others. I pray for your continued health and strength. Blessings, Bill
DeeAnn Wenk
saysDear Susan and Hillary, I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. DeeAnn Wenk
Tammy Ryherd Perkins
saysI had the honor and pleasure of working with Mr. Wolf at GRW Engineers. He was an inspiration for anyone that worked with him and always greeted everyone with a smile. My heartfelt sympathy to Rick and Susan for your loss. Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Wolf Family.
Van Knowles (LRC)
saysSusan and Hillary, so sorry to hear of your loss.
Dan MacLeod
saysMy sympathy and support to the entire McGoodwin family, and all the relatives throughout this difficult time. My love, thoughts and prayers are with Hillary, and all the rest of you as well!!! God bless this wonderful man and his wonderful family that he helped to bring into this world!!!
James Codell
saysElaine & Family: Jeanne joins me in expressing our deepest sympathy on your great loss, as Lyle was loved and respected by everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this extremely difficult period.