Howard Lewis Pyle, Jr., 91, of Unionville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 29, 2017, surrounded by family.

Lew was born on December 30, 1925, the son of Howard L. Pyle, Sr. and Helen Thomas Pyle.

He grew up in Coatesville and graduated from Scott High School where he started his training in the machinist trade. Once he turned 18 he enlisted into the Army Air Corp during WWII to serve his country. While he was in basic training he married Pauline “Polly” Fender also from Coatesville.

After the war, he completed his Apprentice Machinist training and then established McGuckin and Pyle in Downingtown with Lambert “Mack” McGuckin, where they did custom machine work, fabricating and ultimately designed and manufactured custom machines for industrial use. Lew gave many men the opportunity to develop their trade and their careers.

Lew and Polly lived most of their lives in Downingtown until 2011. He was a lifetime member of the Downingtown VFW and the Downingtown American Legion and for quite a few years, a member of the Downingtown Lions Club.

Lew enjoyed fishing and boating on the Chesapeake Bay and the time spent at his home on the Elk River, especially with family. For many years he was a member of the Chester County Antique Car Club. Lew was a skilled woodworker and in his retirement years made furniture for his family.

Lew had a great sense of humor and cared very much for his family, friends and former co-workers. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Lew was predeceased by Polly, his wife for almost 69 years, along with his sister, Mildred “Millie” Cunningham formerly from East Fallowfield. He is survived by his daughters, Linda Kennard of Southern Pines, NC (Jack), Deborah Sexton of Elkton, MD and Joan Selke of Chadds Ford (Greg); 7 grandchildren Meredith Parks of Ellicott City, MD (Mike), Becky Stillman of Unionville (Dave), Jennie Blandsfield of Elkton MD (Roland), Alicia Lyons of Unionville, John Kennard of Atlanta, GA (Kelley), Matt Sexton of Elkton, MD, Kate Goeller of Bangkok, Thailand (Sam) and 12 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Friday, July 7th at the James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E. Lancaster Ave, Downingtown, where family and friends may call from 9 to 10:45 am.

Interment will be in Unionville Cemetery with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations may be made to: The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, 504-528-1944 ext. 290 or online at　www.nationalww2museum.org.

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