DECEMBER 25, 1935 – AUGUST 2, 2026
In the Care of Allen Funeral Services, Inc.
Lyndall Jerry “Lefty” Milstead passed peacefully from this life into the arms of his Savior on the morning of Sunday, August 2nd, 2026, at the age of 90 in the comfort of his home. He was surrounded by his loving family during the last days of his life. Lyndall is under the care of Dickie Allen Funeral Home in Cushing.
Lyndall was born on December 25th, 1935, a snowy Christmas day, to Houston and Gladys Milstead in Oak Flat, a small community outside of Laneville, Texas. He graduated from Laneville High School in 1954, where he earned the nickname “Lefty” with his unforgettable left hook during basketball games. During his younger years and throughout high school, he worked with his father at Kelly Lumber Company and on the family farm. Although he referred to himself as a “jack of all trades”, he truly possessed the skills and abilities to successfully complete all of the endeavors that he undertook. After high school, he joined the US Army Signal Corps as a Field Radio Repairman and was stationed in Germany for three years. He obtained the rank of SP-5 before his honorable discharge in 1958. However, due to his critical MOS, he did not receive his Army Ready Reserve Discharge until June 1963. He spent several years working in small appliance repair until he established a partnership with Hubert Hammett. After Hubert’s death, Lefty became a sole owner of his family business, Milstead TV & Appliance, in downtown Henderson, Texas. There, he worked alongside his wife for more than 30 years and was the founder and first president of Henderson Downtown Association while working to bring ‘Main Street’ designation to Henderson. After sustaining a significant spinal injury from a motor vehicle accident in 1989, he closed the family business but eventually formed a new partnership with a friend, Oak Flat Construction, a remodeling and construction business.
Lyndall was the longest, actively attending member of Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church. Even in retirement, he helped the church in many capacities including general maintenance of the property and grounds, along with building the addition to the fellowship hall. He also served as church treasurer for 25 years, BTC teacher and maintained the grounds at Holleman Cemetery. In addition to his family, his greatest joys were studying God’s Word, reading and working.
Lyndall married the love of his life and his high school sweetheart, Susan Vaughn Milstead, on September 6th, 1955. They built a family legacy together for 56 years before her death in July 2011. “Pawpaw” and “Mawmaw” were cherished greatly.
Lyndall is survived by his three daughters, Lynda Langham and husband Ken, Tammy Milstead Ham, Jerri Hagler and husband Scott; his sister, Gwyn Nix; his sister-in-law, Martha Milstead; his eight grandchildren, Jeff Langham and wife Laura, Carrie Langham-Cedillo and husband Evelio, Brett Vardeman and wife Cristal, Houston Hagler and wife Maggie, Delanie Hagler, Christian Hagler, Mason Hagler, Benjamin Hagler; his step-grandchildren, Danielle Beck and husband Gary, Nicholas Hagler and wife Marty, Sally Smith and husband Kyle; his fourteen great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Lyndall was preceded in death by his wife Susan Vaughn Milstead; his parents, Gladys and Houston Milstead; and his brothers, Gene Milstead and Quentin Milstead.
There will be a Celebration of Life at Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church, Intersection of FM 2496 and CR 3156, Mount Enterprise, TX 75681, on August 24th at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Bro. Charles Williams.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church, PO Box 671, Mount Enterprise, TX 75681.
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit Allen Funeral Home Inc.’s flower store.