Max Vance Lyles, 78, of Oak Park, Illinois, died Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, at his home there.

He was born in Carrollton, Kentucky, on April 22, 1944, to Palmore and Pauline Vance Lyles. He was a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, and received a master’s degree in mathematics from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. He started his career as a math teacher after college and went on to become an editor of math textbooks. He had a passion for travel, gardening and was a gifted artist who annually designed his own Christmas cards.

Survivors include his close friend Richard Majko; two nephews, Patrick Todd Lyles and Christopher Lyle; a niece Lee Ann Yager; and three great nieces and nephews, a great-great niece, three cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Billy R. Lyles.

A memorial service will be held at his church, the Third Unitarian Church in Chicago, at a future date to be determined.

Memorial contributions may be made to Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly (www.lbfechicago.org), 355 N Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60607.