Richard Lee Lyon Sr.

An area resident most of his life, he was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Sept. 2, 1944.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, May Christensen Lyon; his sons: Richard L.(Kara) Lyon Jr. and Joseph C. (Darcy) Lyon, both of Panama; three daughters: Ann M. (Michael) Smith, Lodi, N.Y., Hope L. (Daniel) Anuskewic, Columbus, Ohio, and Holly L. (David) Anderson, Wickliffe, Ohio; and grandchildren: Emily, Cassandra, Jessica, and Richard Lyon, all of Panama. He is also survived by his brother and sisters-in-law, Russell Diethrick, June Diethrick, Helen Christensen; and several loved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Doris Lyon; and his brother, Edward Lyon.

Rich was a member of the steel workers union for over 50 years and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. He graduated from Jamestown High School. While working as a shearer operator at Dahlstrom Manufacturing, he and his father owned and operated Lyon & Son Marina, Celoron, N.Y. Rich was a retiree of Vac Air Alloys, Frewsburg, N.Y.

Rich, a voracious reader, loved Chautauqua Lake, boats, fishing and spent his retirement years scavenging for all things interesting, vintage, and historical with his lifelong buddy, John Carney.

The family will receive friends on Dec. 11, at noon, at the Watts Flats Methodist Church. A celebration of life will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Watts Flats Methodist Church, Blockville-Watts Flats Road, Ashville, NY 14710, or the Panama Volunteer Fire Department, 27 Main St., Panama, NY 14767.