Rev. Jack A. Kyle, 82, of Franklin passed away at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, April 6th at Oakwood Heights Presbyterian Home in Oil City, following a brief illness.
Born December 21, 1932 in Bottineau, North Dakota, Rev. Kyle was the son of the late Arthur Nichol and Mabel Crandall Kyle. He was formerly married to Alyce Somerville Kyle of Tuscon, AZ, who survives.
Rev. Kyle attended the Bottineau School of Forestry from 1951 until 1953, and then attended Jamestown College from 1953 until 1955 and obtained a B.A. in History. He then attended Princeton Theological Seminary from 1955 until 1958 and obtained his Master’s of Divinity. Rev. Kyle studied abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland, and did his Clinical Chaplaincy Rotation at Virginia Commonwealth University. His first charge was in Portal, North Dakota; his second being in Hancock, New York. Rev. Kyle then moved to Franklin in 1965.
Rev. Kyle was a very active member of the Presbytery of Lake Erie. He was part of several outreach committees, helped mentor refugees starting their own businesses, was an active member of the Retired Presbyterian Ministers Group and local Retired Ministers Group, and served on the Board at Oakwood Heights Presbyterian Home in Oil City.
He also served on the Board of United Communities Independence Programs (UCIP). He was committed to supporting people with developmental disabilities and supporting them to fully integrate into their communities, especially their church communities. Jack had a strong commitment to social justice for all people.
His hobbies included photography and traveling — especially to the Kyle family farm for yearly “brother” reunions.
Rev. Kyle is survived by his daughter, Martha Kyle Gluck and her husband, Michael Kyle Gluck; and his two grandchildren, Samuel A. Gluck and Rachael C. Gluck, all of Seattle, Washington.
He is also survived by his three brothers, Robert A. Kyle and his wife, Charlene, of Rochester, Minnesota, Donald J. Kyle and his wife, Judy, of Loves Park, Illinois, and David E. Kyle and his wife, Linda, of Bottineau, North Dakota; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Rev. Kyle was preceded in death by his brother, William T. Kyle.
A Memorial Service for Rev. Kyle will be held on Friday, April 10th at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Franklin, with Rev. David Oyler, General Presbyter of the Presbytery of Lake Erie, officiating. Rev. Barry Jenkins, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Franklin, will assist with the service.
Interment will be in Franklin Cemetery.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Franklin — 1250 Elk Street, Franklin, PA 16323; and/or to the charity on one’s choice.
Family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com to send cards, online condolences, or for further information.
