From a young age he showed the spunk and persistence that would carry him through 75 years of life. At four years old, running miles through farmland to save his father’s life after his arm got stuck in farm equipment. Lydell grew up to be an athletic and “cool” kid in high school, who pole vaulted and was friends with everyone.
At 22 years old, Lydell was paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident, and over the years earned a reputation of independence and strength. Particularly after meeting his wife Margaret. The two married in 1978. With their marriage, Lydell gained a new outlook on life, finding passions and activities yet again. He also welcomed Margaret’s three children, Anne, Gena, and John into his life, raising them as his own.
Lydell and Margaret shared an incredible life. They went on cruises around the world, traveled the country to wheelchair tennis tournaments and visited their daughter Gena in Australia. They took care of each other, until the very end, celebrating 44 years of marriage in March 2022. They gave their children and grandchildren an incredible example of what love looks like.
Lydell worked as a manufacturing engineer at Parker Hannifin for 44 years, decades later, still meeting with old coworkers. He was active in sports, playing basketball, bowling and becoming somewhat of a local wheelchair tennis legend. He dabbled in wood working and carving and loved classic cars. He and Margaret were active in the Rebel’s Auto Club and some of Lydell’s truest loves throughout his life have been his cars, from his Z28 Camaro, Purple 31 Chevy and 2008 Corvette. Lydell was also a passionate supporter of Waverly and Husker Sports, sending roses to the Waverly girls teams when went to state, and being a season ticket holder for Husker softball and volleyball.
The passion for life and love for his wife, extended to his grandchildren. Granddaughters, Ashton, Bayley, Devan and Alicia were his best friends, each sharing their own unique relationship with one of the best men in their lives. Ashton shares countless memories of Golden Oldies music lessons when Lydell picked her up from school. Bayley remembers being his ultimate sidekick, spending evenings growing up going to Husker’s volleyball and softball games watching his tennis team hit ball and forth at Wood’s Tennis. Devan remembers being able to tell grandpa anything, and him always providing a listening ear and reassurance as well as their secret handshake. Alicia recalls riding on the back of his scooter as a young girl and receiving Christmas gifts wrapped in unique ways, never knowing what to expect.
Lydell is survived by wife Margaret, daughter Gena Kenny and Kent Cuthbert, son John Lamey, grand-daughters Ashton Juarez and Ashlee Payne, Bayley Bischof and Brody Lauby, Devan Worrall, Alicia and Cayla Mosier, great-grandson Kane, their beloved pets Peaches, Frannie and Jack and many friends and family members. He was preceded in death by parents Robert and Hilda Otley and daughter Anne Juarez.
Those who are still here on earth are going to miss Lydell so much. His hugs, his sarcasm, and the way he was always trying to pull some prank (Bayley will never forget him telling her the school cafeteria food was made of leftover dog food). Loved ones can rest assured knowing his last days were surrounded by love, laughter, and peace. He saw friends he hadn’t seen in months, received incredible messages of love and witnessed his granddaughter and grandson-in-law get married in his hospital room. He lived every day exactly how he wanted, never held back by physical capabilities or his health.
In those last moments, Lydell left his family with two pieces of advice. First, treasure those you love most, for him, that was Margaret, his Sweetheart and partner in life. Second, live your life. Live your life the way Lydell did, finding joy in every moment and never backing down from a challenge, no matter what circumstances you may face.
Lydell’s life will be celebrated with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday April 27th at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church at 8550 Pioneers Blvd. Wear Lydell’s favorite color purple, if you have it. The family will greet visitors at a viewing on Tuesday, April 26th, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street. Memorials in lieu of Flowers to the family for future designation at First State Bank.