Richard “Dick” Lyon Jr., age 70, of Iberia, went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 13, 2012, at his residence from injuries sustained in an accident.
On March 23, 1942, Dick was born in Marion General Hospital, the only son of Richard and Ilagene (Seiter) Lyon of Iberia.
He was raised on the family farm, where he learned to love the outdoors, helping his father as far back as he could remember. During his childhood, he also spent a lot of time on his maternal grandparents farm, Cleo and Ed Seiter, whom he shared a special relationship with. Dick also enjoyed spending time with his paternal grandparents, Clarence and Stella Lyon. He graduated from Caledonia High School in the Class of 1960.
After a fellow teacher at Edison Elementary Schools who was working with Della Earley, arranged for Della and Dick to go on a blind date…the rest is history. In Della, he quickly realized he had found his perfect companion and soul mate. On December 26, 1981, they were united in marriage at the Trinity United Methodist Church by Rev. Jerry Kalb. They have cherished every moment of their 30 years together.
Soon after their wedding, Dick found his niche working with the Morrow County Engineers Office as a bridge inspector, where he served for nearly 30 years until his recent retirement in August of 2011. His job allowed him to work outdoors and to spend time with his father-in-law, Justin Earley, who had previously served as the Morrow County Engineer. He also served as the Director of Safety for the Morrow County Highway Department. Prior to the Engineers office, Dick had worked for over 17 years at ITT Technology in Galion and for 3 years at Central Soya in Marion.
Throughout most of his life, Dick also worked on the family farm with his father, doing whatever needed to be done.
A man of deep faith, Dick has been an active member of the Trinity United Methodist Church ever since their marriage. He has served at the church in many capacities, including as a trustee, on the nominating committee, and helping serve and clean up after the monthly community dinners. Most near and dear to his and Della’s heart though, was taking care of the end of the month food pantry, and they were proud to be serving over 100 families nearly every month. They also shared cherished their time with the Side-by-Side couples group in the church, with whom they took many special trips. Formerly, Dick had been a member of the Caledonia United Methodist Church, where he was raised.
Always showing his faith through his actions, Dick was willing to help on any project in the church. He also enjoyed going on work missions to Russia and Huntington, West Virginia, and was a member of the Emmaus Community.
At their home place, Dick and Della have enjoyed being avid gardeners for many years, growing all types of flowers and having a special fondness for their unique dahlia flowers. Most every year, they enjoyed showing their dahlia flowers at the Morrow County Fair, and they even took trips to Seattle and Portland to learn about and see more dahlias. He was a member of the Green Pairs Garden Club.
With a love for traveling, Dick and Della have especially enjoyed their nearly annual trips to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. They have enjoyed many other special trips to places like Hawaii, which gave them many priceless stories to share with their friends who joined them on the trip.
Despite living with an excellent cook, Dick absolutely loved eating out at restaurants, because it gave him a chance to see his many friends and socialize with everyone around him. They especially enjoyed their weekly dinners at Taylor’s in Galion. He also enjoyed socializing with his friends in their monthly “Trump Euchre Club” group.
A proud father and grandfather, Dick cherished every moment spent with his children and grandchildren, and his grandchildren were truly the apples of his eye.
Having never met a stranger, Dick could talk with anyone, anywhere, about anything. He was always jovial and outgoing, helping him make friends everywhere he went. He also had an ornery streak, teasing his family and friends until he got a rise out of them.
Dick will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Della Lyon of Iberia; two children: Deborah (Tony) Banfield of Sunbury, and Brenda (Tony) Nicholson of Durham, North Carolina; five grandchildren: Nathan and Taylor Robinson, Cole Nicholson, and Andrew and J.T. Banfield; his parents: Richard and Ilagene Lyon of Iberia; a brother and sister-in-law: Keith and Ruby Earley of Toledo; two nephews and a niece: Randy (Amy) Earley, Rebecca Earley, and Doug (JoNell) Earley; an aunt, Martha Lyon of Caledonia; and numerous cousins.
The Lyon family will greet friends from 4 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at the Snyder Funeral Home, Craven Chapel, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead. Services celebrating his life and his homecoming will be held on Thursday at 11:00 a.m., at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 E. High St., Mount Gilead, with Pastor Carl Schaefer officiating. Burial will follow in Iberia Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church, c/o Bell Tower Project or the Food Pantry, 75 E. High St., Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead is honored to have been chosen to serve Dick’s family, and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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