After 48 Years with Same Agency, Social Work Veteran Retires

(St. Louis, MO) -- Not many workers stay with the same employer for nearly half a century. In this day and age, Lyle Gramling is an anomaly. After 48 years with Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS), he will hang up his hat as special projects manager on December 31.

In fact, Gramling has worn multiple hats during his career at PCHAS and has been instrumental in growing the agency to operate 14 programs across three states. In 1973, he joined the staff of the Presbyterian Home for Children in Farmington, Missouri as a youth care worker and case manager. In 1981 he became the first director of the agency’s Stubbins Memorial Regional Family and Youth Center. As the organization changed names and adapted to the needs of its communities, Gramling was called upon to direct the human resources department. Five years ago, PCHAS asked Gramling to manage special projects including aspects of a merger.

“Lyle has been steadfast in caring for children and families in need,” said President and CEO David Thompson. “His insight and commitment have helped us weather many adjustments over the years and we have all learned a great deal from him.”

A native of Iowa, Gramling earned his first degree in social work from Wartburg College and a master’s degree in Child and Youth Care Administration from Nova Southeastern University. “It has been an incredible journey with PCHAS, and I thank God for the wonderful experiences and memories I have of kids and families, colleagues and supervisors, and auxiliary, advisory board and board of trustee volunteers. I was also blessed in this journey to have met my wife Judy in Farmington in 1975, and we have been married for 45 years. Thanks to all who have enriched my life and helped me along the way.” The couple looks forward to enjoying more time with their family. 

PCHAS is a nonprofit that serves children and families in 28 locations across Missouri, Texas and Louisiana. Programs include foster care and adoption services as well as early interventions such as counseling, mentoring and sufficiency programs for at-risk parents and young adults. Email info@pchas.org or call 800-888-1904.