Lyle Norman Catton , November 11, 1927 — February 14, 2019

Lyle Catton, 91, passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2019. He was born November 11, 1927 in Sturgis, MI to the late Victor and Bessie (Stetson) Catton. Lyle was united in marriage to Susan Purdham on May 7th, 1948, who preceded him in death in 2015.

Lyle lived most of his life in the Kalamazoo area, wintering for many years in Lakeland, Florida. Lyle was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. At 19, he entered the U.S. Army as a member of the 245th Army Ground Force Band, stationed in Rome, Italy.

He played the Clarinet and both Alto and Baritone Saxophones. Upon being honorably discharged from the army he continued playing music in the Bob Herman dance band in Paw Paw most Saturday nights for several years. Lyle was employed with the Michigan Bell Telephone Company at this time until his retirement.

In his younger years, Lyle enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his father and brother. He was an avid reader and continued his love of all forms of music throughout his lifetime. He truly loved to travel and made many trips across the United States and throughout Europe with his wife.

Lyle is survived by his daughter, Claudia (Steve) Zimmerman; grandchildren, Kristin Zimmerman, Daniel (Kathleen) Haase and Andrew Haase; great-grandchildren, Carley Anderson, Trevor Anderson, Christopher Haase and Benjamin Haase; brother-in-law, Tom (Maryann) Purdham; sister-in-law, Mary Purdham; and four nieces, Sally Pickens, Jill Anderson, Susan Stewart and Kari Incremona. Lyle was also preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Barbara Haase, his nephew, Scott Purdham and his brother, Stetson “Stet” Catton. At the family’s request, cremation has taken place.

A memorial gathering will be announced at a later date. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Donations may be made to: Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall Suite 100, Kalamazoo MI 49007 Tel: 2693450273 Web: www.

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