Trainer Charles Walker Lyles, 84, of Vinton, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

© Hixson Funeral Home-Vinton

 LA–SEPTEMBER 2, 2026–Longtime horse trainer Charles Walker Lyles, 84, of Vinton, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

A Celebration of Charles’s life will be held at Hixson Funeral Home in Vinton, Louisiana, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.. Bro. Rob Tibbitts will officiate.

Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday, beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Big Woods Cemetery in Edgerly, Louisiana.

He was born to his late parents, Paul and Lelia Lyles, on September 14, 1940, in Lamar, Mississippi.

When he was young, he enjoyed playing and watching various sports. His true passion was horses, and he pursued a career training racehorses. He was a true horseman.

According to Equibase stats, Charles saddled 194 winners with earnings of over $1.3 million.  Among his top performers were Dash For Cash Futurity(G2) winner My Love Wont Wait, LQHBA Lassie Futurity(RG3) winners Special Streakin and Adios Miss Jane and Laddie Futurity(RG3) winner Time To Be A Hero.

Charles was considered a legend in the horse racing industry. In his later years, he enjoyed fishing with his family and friends. Most of all, he was family-oriented and truly loved them very much.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Irma Lyles; children, Sylvia Rentz (Joey), Pamela Lyles, and Mike Lyles (Lisa) all of Vinton, Louisiana; brother, James Robert “Son” Lyles of Mississippi; three sisters, Mary Skelton of Holly Springs, Mississippi, Bobbie Lynn Mathis (Bobby Joe) of Ashland, Mississippi, and Judy Jeanes (Danny) of Ashland, Mississippi; three grandchildren, Stephanie N. East, Logan M. Lyles, Lincoln Lyles; four great grandchildren, Landen East, Lawsen Lyles, Norah Jo Lyles, and Amadeo Lyles Veraldi; three step grandchildren, Charles Meaux, Cody Meaux, and Tyler Sonnier; along with nine step great grandchildren.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, along with his brother, Winford "Buddy" Lyles.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonvinton.com.