Chris K. Lyda, 72, New Bremen, died of natural causes on Nov. 2, 2017, in Flagstaff Arizona.

He was born on Oct. 13, 1945 in Oceanside, California, to the late Herman and Iva White Lyda.

He was married 48 years to Oneta Dicke Lyda, who survives.

Also surviving are a daughter, Melissa (Michael) Shaffer; step-grandsons James and Ashley, Kenneth and Amy, Matt and Chyanne and Nick and Ashley; nine great-grandchildren; and a sister, Sandy Manuszak.

He served in the U.S. Army, serving in Germany from 1965-1968. He graduated from Wright State University and from United Seminary in Dayton and was retired from the Lima Correctional Institution. He was a member of the New Bremen Historic Association and New Bremen Senior Citizens. He loved to read history and the Bible and enjoyed traveling.

A celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. Nov. 18 at Grace Missionary Church, Portland St., Celina.

Memorials may be given to Grace Missionary Church or to the charity of the donor's choice.