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

He was born on October 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 Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Grace Missionary Church, on Portland Street in Celina.

The family will receive friends one half hour prior to the services at the church, and at a gathering following the service.

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

The Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home of New Bremen is assisting with the service arrangements. Condolences to the Lyda/Dicke family can be left online at gilberghartwigfh.com.