Michael “Murph” Joseph Lyle, 57, of Shalersville, OH, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2025, in the home he built, surrounded by family and friends, after a very good fight with brain cancer. He was born June 18, 1967, in Anderson, SC, to the late Robert Lyle and Mary Jane (nee Nixon) Shoemaker.
He graduated from Crestwood High School in 1985 and attended Kent State University before entering the construction industry, eventually owning his own business. He built his own home, his parent’s home and many other homes and structures. Following the 2008 housing crash, Murph started a business fixing and selling cars.
His primary occupation, however, was having fun. If you were lucky enough to be included in the fun, you were not only in for a wild ride, you were also going to learn something. Murph packed a lot into his short life: motorcycle racing, drag racing, his kids’ dirt bike racing, drinking beer, mudding, playing with kids and teaching them to ski and drive (Murph Mobile golf cart and cars including stick shift), pulling pranks, like setting a pig loose in the hallways in high school, and other classic stories. He loved competition and would win by any means. If you needed help, you called Murph; if you needed something fixed or built, you called Murph; if you were in trouble, you called Murph – most importantly, if you wanted to have a good time, you called Murph.
Most of all, Murph loved golfing. He ultimately achieved his lifelong goal of beating his brother at golf (repeatedly!) and got so good at it that he won money in tournaments. He was golfing 5 days a week, even with a brain tumor!
Keeping his spirit alive on Earth are his children, Randi (Taylor) Romian, Justin Lyle, & Nikki Jo Novak; grandchildren, Bentley, Carlyle, & Piper; Dogs, Butchy & Sophie; stepfather, Jim Shoemaker; brother, Bob Lyle; sister, Dianna (Ken) Makar; stepsister, Rebeccah (Daniel) Sidari; stepbrother, Jimmy Shoemaker, as well as many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
Welcoming him to heaven are, among others, his father, Robert Lyle (hopefully with some golf clubs); his mother, Mary Jane Shoemaker (waiting on the front porch with a big hug); his nephew, Sam Head, and a very tired Guardian Angel (who got hazard pay).
Visitation was held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, OH 44231. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, March 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11045 St Joseph Blvd., Mantua, OH 44255. Murph was then taken to Riverside Cemetery in Shalersville, OH, where he will be lovingly laid to rest. For online condolences go to www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com.
