Dr. Lyle Gene Helmer, 84, of rural Lyons, Kansas, passed away April 7, 2026, at Sandstone Heights Nursing Home, Little River, Kansas. He was born July 26, 1941, in Lyons, the son of Francis Leroy and Winona Ruth (Belden) Helmer. Lyle was a lifelong rural Lyons resident. He graduated from Lyons High School, with the class of 1958 and later received his PhD in Animal Nutrition from Kansas State University in 1965. Lyle was a farmer and animal nutritionist. He was an enthusiastic sports fan, enjoyed hunting, especially pheasant hunting, cars, trucks, and bowling. Lyle is survived by his two sisters, Wanda Arriola of Lyons, KS, and Maureen Bellizio of Lyons, KS; eight nieces and nephews, Jeff Helmer, Jeremy Helmer, Eileen Pineda, Alan Arriola, Lorena Jaime, Bret Bellizio, Dawna Myers, and Lucas MacLaren. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gerald Helmer; sister, JaNell MacLaren; and niece, Jerri Foster. Funeral service will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Ebenezer United Methodist Church, rural Lyons, with Pastor Christine Deeds officiating. Burial will follow at the Geneseo Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Friends of Animals Rice County in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.