8 year leader of Rainsboro Purebred Breeders 4-H Club in Ohio; Served as the Illinois State 4-H Leader from 1983-1996
Dr. David D. Pyle began his life-long involvement with 4-H as a youth member of the Rainsboro Purebred Breeders 4-H Club in Highland County, Ohio. His 12-year career as a 4-H member culminated in leading the Ohio delegation to the 1959 National 4-H Congress as the Beef Achievement Award winner in Ohio, and winning 1 of 6 national scholarships from DuPont Corporation In the beef area. Raising and showing the Pyle family Herefords in 4-H helped fund college tuition at Purdue University. Dr. Pyle held professional positions with Extension in Indiana and Florida (1962-1978), and then served as the State Leader for 4-H in both South Carolina (1978-1982) and Illinois (1983-1996). In Illinois, Dr. Pyle's leadership was instrumental in many 4-H programs, including: the $4 Million for 4-H Campaign, the Recognition for Excellence award program, and several 4-H strategic plans. The 4-H youth development program—particularly in 4-H community club membership—experienced steady growth during Dr. Pyle’s tenure. Gifts received at the time of his retirement, along with generous financial support from both Dr. David Pyle and his wife, Dr. Linda Kutilek, established a Forever 4-H endowment in Dr. Pyle’s honor. The David D. Pyle Fund for Volunteer Development provides annual income to support innovative new programs or training initiatives that provide 4-H volunteer development.
